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Community Heroes: Round Rock Rocks!
Thanks to the perseverance of Round Rock Animal Control, 42 Chihuahuas (and one
Great Dane!) seized from an irresponsible breeder will go to loving new homes.
On August 31, 2007, 42 ill and malnourished Chihuahuas and a lone Great Dane were removed from a home in the Austin suburb of Round Rock. Shutting down this breeding operation was a long, involved process that illustrates the dedication and commitment of Round Rock’s animal control officers.
Homeowner Jan Winters has been on Round Rock Animal Control’s radar for about three years—at two addresses—due to dog-related complaints from neighbors. These complaints were usually about excessive barking, for which Winters received small citations. She did not become a major concern for Animal Control until this past June, when complaints began to include reports of terrible smells coming from her house. After a three-month investigation, Animal Control was able to obtain a civil seizure warrant allowing officers to enter the home and, with police assistance, seize the animals.
The officers encountered what were described by Round Rock Police Spokesman Eric Poteet as “absolutely abhorrent conditions.” The floors were coated in feces and the dogs, whose skin and coats were ravaged by sickness and fleas, were kept in filthy wooden crates and not supplied with adequate water. “When I got the overall picture of the house, the words ‘fetid’ and ‘squalid’ came to mind,” says Poteet. Although Winters insisted that her “babies” were loved and cared for, many were unlicensed and unvaccinated, and authorities had to wear masks and protective clothing to enter her home.
Over the next few days, veterinary exams uncovered five dogs with parvovirus and several others who required emergency surgery. Round Rock Animal Control reached out and partnered with Austin Humane Society (AHS) and local rescue groups to house the pups, with AHS taking half.
Of course, this story has a happy ending. On September 11, officers from Round Rock Animal Control testified before a municipal court on behalf of the neglected dogs. The judge agreed with the city that the dogs should not be returned to the Winters home. Custody of the pups was awarded to the organizations caring for them. None of the dogs were euthanized, and all will soon be in new, loving homes. In fact, of the 21 dogs housed and rehabilitated by AHS, only three remain to be adopted!
The investigation of Jan Winters is ongoing. While breeding itself is not illegal, police do believe that she has broken laws and currently are building a criminal case against her.
Great job, Round Rock Animal Control, for stepping up and shutting down this inhumane business. You are our heroes!
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An AM:O Community Hero
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