Man with 230+ animals living in "deplorable conditions" arrested: Constable

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -- An arrest roundup was held early Saturday morning around Harris County, targeting animal abusers. Operation "Don't Be Cruel" was carried out by the Precinct One Constable's Office animal cruelty unit and the Houston SPCA.

In a press conference, Constable Alan Rosen explained that more than two dozen two deputy teams went out at 5 a.m., arresting 13 individuals and clearing 25 warrants.

One of the cases involved the alleged mistreatment of a large number of animals under one roof.

"230-plus animals from mice to turtles to bearded dragons, all living in deplorable conditions," said Constable Alan Rosen.

Edmond Megdal was arrested Saturday morning, but a health condition led him to need medical attention and he was transported to an area hospital. His booking will be completed at a later date.

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The animals in each of the cases were seized in recent months by cruelty investigators and awarded to the custody of the Houston SPCA.

In another case, emaciated dogs were found at a home from which the owner had moved. The dogs were left behind.

In another, a man was said to have been recorded throwing his dog to the ground. X-rays showed it had a broken leg and another leg with a fracture. Despite the video, Rosen said the owner denied hurting the dog.

"We want people who hurt animals to know that you're not going to get away with it," Rosen said at the press conference. "We're going to come out and we're going to arrest you. Don't think you're going to get away with it."

At residences where individuals with warrants were not present, authorities left the information on how to get their warrants resolved by no later than this Friday. They are encouraging those individuals to turn themselves in.

Animal cruelty costs the lives of a lot of pets each year in Harris County and elsewhere. In Texas, it is a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine. Animal advocates have argued for harsher deterrents.

It's important to note that the cases are made after someone, such as neighbors, or a person who takes note of the condition of animals calls authorities.

"Animals don't have a voice, so you have to be one for them," said Rosen.

The SPCA has a cruelty hotline at 713-869-7722, and the Pct. 1 tip line is 832-927-1659.