The Dallas Morning News finally has a report on animal seizures. (They say "pet seizures" in their hedline, but no one has 70 "pets." It’s certainly within your rights to have 70 well-cared for animals, but any farmer will tell you that they aren’t "pets.")
One particularly interesting statistic:
Of 2,308 animal-cruelty investigations last year by the SPCA of Texas…only 13 led to seizures, officials said.
Strangely, the article makes only a vague reference to what I think is the most important issue for animal owners: the lack of appeal rights after a justice orders surrender to a rescue group.
I emailed the producer of the 20/20 piece, on Tuesday evening, seeking answers to some of my questions on the story and responses to the SPCA’s rebuttals. I have not gotten a response.
Today I spoke with Claire Schwarz, a local attorney who represents the SPCA of Texas. She has written a letter of response to Dr. Gaylon TeSlaa’s letter posted on this blog. I’ve got it in a fax, and will post it in its entirety once I have a soft copy.
In my last communication with Dr. TeSlaa, on Sunday, he indicated that he had more to say on this matter and would get back to me when his schedule allowed. He has not communicated with me since.
UPDATE 8:00 PM: The producer replies that she is out of the office until Tuesday and refers me to an ABC press person. I’ll ring him tomorrow.
