Two arrest warrants were issued for Cheryl Barker in an ongoing animal cruelty investigation in conjunction with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies from ECSO were called to 518 CR 712 which is Barker’s property in reference to an animal cruelty investigation.
As a result of the investigation, warrants were issued for Barker’s arrest for the charge of Cruelty to Livestock animals, a Class A Misdemeanor and Cruelty to non-livestock animals, a Class A Misdemeanor.
The animals were permanently removed from Barker’s possession after a hearing March 22 through Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Judge Jeffrey Alexander. They were awarded to Animal Investigation and Response.
During the hearing, ESCO testified to the conditions of more than 100 animals at the time of the seizure. Deputy Burke and Deputy Johnson along with Investigator Williams testified that the animals did not have proper food, water, or shelter while in the custody of Barker.
Since the seizure, the animals have been in the custody of the Erath County Sheriff’s Office. The ECSO has been in constant communication with the Erath County District Attorney’s office who will be prosecuting these cases. The investigation will be reviewed by the county attorney’s office who will determine if any additional charges will be filed.
“These warrants occurred because of the diligent work being conducted by deputies of the Erath County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Erath County Attorney’s Office. It is a violation of law to have animals and not properly care for them,” Sheriff Matt Coates said in a press release.