Investigators found 17 dogs, a young American alligator, and an albino turtle inside a hot garage in Texas.
Here's what to know
Among the 19 animals removed from the property were French bulldogs, larger dogs, several puppies, a young American alligator, and an albino red-eared slider turtle, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Julie Kuenstle, vice president of communications for the Houston SPCA, told the Houston Chronicle that staff took the rescued animals directly to the SPCA animal hospital for exams and triage, while the alligator went to the organization's wildlife center.
It was still unclear whether anyone had filed criminal charges, and the SPCA had not identified the owner. Officials said investigators are still examining how the animals were being kept.
A garage can heat up quickly, leaving little way for animals inside it to cool down.
Because French bulldogs are especially susceptible to heat, the Houston Chronicle noted that the garage conditions were even more concerning.
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What's being done?
After the rescue, Houston SPCA staff began assessing the animals' health to determine what treatment and care each one may need.
According to the Houston SPCA, the seizure warrant triggers a court hearing within 10 days, where a judge will decide whether the animals were mistreated and what should happen next.
People who want to support this work can look to local humane organizations and wildlife centers in their own communities. Those interested in giving toward vulnerable species and habitats can find practical ideas in this guide to donating money to climate causes.
Where can I learn more?
Animal rescuers have responded to similar emergencies involving extreme heat, wildfires, and neglect. Here are a few stories about what happened during those rescues and the care that followed.
• In Ohio, wardens rescued a gasoline-doused dog before saving kittens and their mother from brutal heat.
• In Cyprus, veterinarians treated more than 180 pets after catastrophic wildfires forced emergency evacuations.
• In Canada, a nonprofit saved animals from wildfire despite steep costs and widespread destruction.
• In Ohio, rehabbers plucked hundreds of animals from a fur farm amid shocking conditions.
• In Australia, officials deployed a state-of-the-art mobile animal hospital to bushfire zones to treat wildlife.
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