Monday, September 28, 2009

Four of 87 seized dogs returned to woman

BASTROP, Texas, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A 57-year-old woman in Bastrop County, Texas, was reunited with four of the 87 schnauzers seized from her home in June, authorities say.

Bastrop County Assistant District Attorney Mary Beth Scott said while Jan McGill still faces cruelty to non-livestock animals charges, authorities were able to have McGill's home cleaned to acceptable levels to return four of the seized dogs, The Austin (Texas) American-Statesman said Monday.

The 87 dogs were taken from McGill's home on June 4 after animal control officer Sandy Perio noticed trash and feces throughout the Bastrop County house.

"Jan's not a bad person," said Perio, who had been responding to a complaint about the unsanitary living conditions in McGill's home. "Her dogs were not intentionally mistreated. Jan loved her dogs."

Scott said after volunteers helped clean up the Texas home, a justice of the peace allowed four of the animals to be returned to McGill in July.

"What we've been able to do on a civil level is monumental. It's been marvelous. She's been able to receive some help, get on her feet," Scott said.

The American-Statesman said nearly all of the remaining schnauzers once owned by McGill have been adopted into new homes..." Link