35 malnourished cows seized
Polk County Enterprise - March 2009
LIVINGSTON — On March 4, 2009 Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of cruelty to animals in the 1200 block of Wobbly Bobbly Tram. Deputy Chris Schanmire found one cow down near the road that was too weak to get up. Approximately 40 head of Brangus and other cross-bred cattle were found on the property. Five of the cows were already dead and another four had to be euthanized. The surviving cattle have been taken to the Livingston Livestock Exchange awaiting action by the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace court. Local veterinarian Dr. David Curbo confi rmed the animals were suffering from a lack of proper nutrition and would likely die if left in their current situation. He said the cattle were all in dire need of food, fresh water and medical attention. Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Darrell Longino signed a seizure order allowing the sheriff’s department to take custody of the animals. Charges are pending against Hector Martinez of Conroe for cruelty and neglect of the animals. Reports from the SPCA and law enforcement indicated the property owner asked Hector Martinez of Conroe to care for the herd because the owner was not able to do so. Livingston Police Chief Byron Lyons said the rescue of the animals would not have been a success without the diligent work of Deputy Mike Nettles, Animal Control Offi cer Crystal Rogers, SPCA Director Penny Gelienke, other members of law enforcement as well as Dr. Curbo and the Livingston Livestock exchange.