The SPCA of Texas secured custody of 10 dogs and 56 cats after a civil custody hearing held on June 11 at the Van Zandt County Courthouse.
Upon defaulting to a previous ruling due to the owner’s failure to file an appeal, Van Zandt County Judge Joshua Wintters awarded custody to the SPCA along with $22,090.75 in restitution.
The property owner, Hayley Hull, who also runs Yelp for Help Animal Rescue, was arrested on May 29 for animal cruelty, specifically neglect.
She faced charges classified as a Class A misdemeanor and was subsequently booked into the Van Zandt County Jail, later released on a $10,000 bond, according to a press release issued by the SPCA of Texas on June 18.
The troubling case began with an investigation initiated on May 4, 2025, when Marcy McAlpin, the founder of Noah’s Paws Animal Rescue and a veterinary technician, reported suspected animal cruelty.
Upon being asked to care for Hull’s animals during her absence, McAlpin found herself in a dire situation, as she received no instructions or medications for the pets in her care.
On May 2, McAlpin observed around 15 dogs and 47 cats living in cramped and unsanitary conditions in Hull’s facility.
She contacted the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office on May 3, expressing concerns over the animals’ malnourishment and illness.
Due to the unbearable conditions, McAlpin reached out to the SPCA for assistance.
In response, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit, accompanied by Forensic Veterinarian Shawn Ashley, executed search and seizure warrants on May 5 at the Eustace property.
The inspection revealed that the animals were kept in a shocking state.
Inside a metal building that appeared abandoned, the living conditions were appalling, with knee-high grass surrounding the area littered with rotting trash and an overwhelming odor of ammonia.
This ammonia, measured at levels of 50 parts per million (ppm), far exceeded the 20 ppm threshold considered safe for short-term human exposure, and the specific cat room recorded even higher levels of 53 ppm.
Among the dogs, three were loose while seven were crated.
They were kept in a room that was soiled with urine and feces, and many dogs exhibited signs of distress, including diarrhea, and were marked with serious health issues such as hookworm infestations and Giardia.
All the dogs were infested with fleas.
The conditions for the cats were even more dire.
Housed in a separate room, the cats faced severe overcrowding, confinement in open wire cages, and overflowing litter boxes.
Many cats demonstrated severe medical conditions, including coughing, sneezing, mucus discharge from their eyes, and significant eye infections.
Tragically, two cats had lost their eyes due to untreated infections, and a kitten was suffering from a severe ear infection marked by pus discharge.
Additionally, at least three cats showed signs of lethargy, underweight conditions, and labored breathing, with various others experiencing hair loss and scabby skin.
SPCA’s ACI Unit Chief Investigator, Courtney Burns, expressed the critical need for intervention, stating, “This case is a devastating example of how cruelty and neglect can hide in plain sight, and why intervention is so critical.
Thankfully, once removed from that toxic environment and given proper medical treatment and compassionate care, these animals began to recover remarkably well.”
The seized animals were transported to the SPCA of Texas Russell E. Dealey Animal Rescue Center for medical and behavioral care.
Despite the recuperative efforts, one cat, which was in liver failure at the time of the seizure, succumbed to Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
In response to the charges, Hull has denied any wrongdoing.
On her Yelp for Help Animal Rescue Facebook page, she claimed, “It’s amazing the evil in this world.
I left my animals in the care of people I trusted and they have neglected and lied.
The truth will come out and I have proof.”
As efforts for justice continue, investigators and animal welfare advocates remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the rescued animals.
image source from：dallasexpress
