Judge permanently removes malnourished animals from owner while county attorney considers charges.
Updated: Apr 2
The more than 100 malnourished animals rescued from a property last week on County Road 712 in Erath County will not be returned to their owner, Judge Jeffrey Alexander ruled.
And now the owner – Cheryl Barker - accused of keeping the dogs, hamsters, rats, reptiles, birds, horses, goats, pigs and a ferret without adequate food, water or shelter, faces misdemeanor charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals and cruelty to livestock.
A hearing on Friday, March 22, determined that the animals would remain in the custody of Animal Investigation and Response while permanent homes are found.
During the investigation and seizure, investigators discovered carcasses of dead domesticated and livestock animals in various stages of decomposition on the property.
All surviving animals are under the care of local veterinarians.
The case has been turned over to Erath County Attorney Lisa Pence’s office for review.
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