PVAS granted care for 90+ animals in hoarding case

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Palm Valley Animal Society announced the 90-plus pets found in an animal hoarding case have been signed over to their care.

On March 30, an Uber Eats driver called 911 to report a "smell of death" at the 3400 block of Ozark Avenue.

According to an offense report obtained by ValleyCentral, when the responding officers arrived at the residence they detected a strong odor, which they described as "decomposed flesh."

Cindy Ann Wells, a resident of the home, spoke with authorities stating she owned 15 dogs and the smell came from the feces that needed to be cleaned up.

When authorities entered the home, they saw 10 dirty dogs in the living room, which was covered with feces and urine stains, the report stated.

The officers said the “odor was so strong and foul they weren’t able to enter the residence further without protective equipment.”

Well's cousin, identified as Leticia Sanders, exited the residence and told police there were some dogs inside but did not know how many.

Authorities arrested both Sanders and Wells on charges of animal cruelty.

Inside the home authorities found 93 dogs and one cat. All the pets were transported to the Palm Animal Society for care.

When the pets come into shelter care, Faith Wright, Palm Valley Animal Society Director of Operations, said the dogs came in matted and some could barely walk, due to their feet being tied together.

Rescue groups and the community came together to foster 88 out of the 93 dogs found inside the home.

On Wednesday, Palm Valley announced on social media that two defendants have signed the pets into their care.

"The two defendants signed the dogs over and we took possession of all 90 dogs and one cat," Wright said.

Palm Valley has 13 dogs remaining at the facility but eight of them will be leaving on Tuesday morning for Michigan with the Dog is My Co-Pilot organization.

"Dog is My Co-Pilot is a flight group that comes down and helps different rescuers move animals up north to different locations," Wright said.

The remaining five dogs and one cat still under Palm Valley's care are now available for adoption.

PVAS says those interested in adopting can expect a $50 fee and $50 surgery deposit for dogs who may need to be spayed or neutered.