SAN ANTONIO – A South Side property where 18 neglected dogs were recently rescued was also the site of a 2023 animal cruelty investigation that uncovered more than 70 live and dead animals living in unsanitary conditions.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said it is now investigating whether the property’s owner is connected to the latest allegations of animal cruelty after an earlier criminal case tied to the same location was dismissed because of insufficient evidence.
RELATED: Deputies seize 18 dogs allegedly left for weeks after owner left the state
On Aug. 1, 2023, Bexar County Animal Control responded to the property off Interstate 35 South near Kinney Road and found more than 70 live and dead animals living in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions, according to the sheriff’s office. The surviving animals were removed from the property, and the deceased animals were disposed of.
Investigators later obtained an arrest warrant for Peyton Leon Wyrick, 82, on a felony animal cruelty charge. However, the case was dismissed after prosecutors determined there was not enough evidence to move forward.
Sheriff’s officials said several people living at the property continue to identify Wyrick as the owner. Investigators are now working to determine whether he is responsible for the latest allegations involving 18 dogs that deputies say were left behind after the owner moved out of state.
The sheriff’s office said it conducted follow-up visits after the 2023 animal seizure, but those visits ended once the immediate concerns had been addressed. Officials said Bexar County Animal Control may have additional information about any inspections conducted after that time.
The latest investigation began after deputies and animal control officers rescued 18 dogs from the property. According to investigators, the animals had allegedly been left without adequate care for several weeks.