After a hearing regarding an animal cruelty case, more than 100 animals have been permanently removed from the property of Cheryl Barker.
Approximately three weeks ago, deputies from Erath County Sheriff’s Office were called to 518 County Road 712 near Huckabay in reference to a suspected case of animal cruelty.
The animals were found to be in extremely poor conditions such as not having adequate food, fresh water and shelter.
As a result of the investigation the animals were found to be in the possession of Barker at the residence.
These animals were seized according to a warrant issued from Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Judge Jeffrey Alexander. On Friday, March 22, Judge Alexander through a hearing ordered that the animals were permanently removed from Barker and awarded to Animal Investigation and Response.
During the hearing, ESCO testified to the conditions of the 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 Erath County Sheriff’s Office along with representatives from Animal Investigation and Response have been providing proper care of the animals since that date. The animals have been under constant veterinary care since their seizure.
Now, Animal Investigation and Response will now take custody of the animals and will begin matching the animals with permanent homes.
This is an ongoing investigation of which ECSO is working daily with the Erath County Attorney’s Office. Once the investigation is completed it will be turned over to the Erath County Attorney’s Office for consideration of prosecution.
Two criminal offenses are being considered in this case. They are Texas Penal Code 42.092CrueltytoNonlivestock Animals a Class A Misdemeanor for any animals that are not livestock of nature such as the dogs, hamsters, birds, and reptiles that were seized.
The other is Texas Penal Code 42.09 Cruelty to Livestock Animals a Class A Misdemeanor and applies to the horses, ponies, pigs and goats that were seized.