BANDERA, Texas – Authorities executed search and seizure warrants at We Care Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakehills on Sept. 4, 2026, after investigators said they had evidence of severely underweight horses and alleged animal abuse, mistreatment or neglect on the property.
The Bandera County Sheriff’s Office said it assisted Bandera County Precinct 2 Constable Greg Spengler in executing the warrants at about 7 a.m. Sept. 4. While on scene, the sheriff’s office said representatives from the American Humane Society, San Antonio Zoo, veterinarians and livestock specialists conducted medical assessments of the animals and evaluated their living conditions. After those assessments, the sheriff’s office said multiple animals were seized and transported to appropriate locations for further treatment and testing.
Spengler’s office said it obtained the warrants by providing images of severely underweight horses as probable cause to investigate animals that were allegedly abused, mistreated, or neglected. The constable’s office said certified animal rescue responders from American Humane Society, volunteer veterinarians, and a specialized veterinary and animal care team from San Antonio Zoo were on-site during the execution of the warrants to deliver urgent medical assessments and care.
According to the constable’s office, the rescued animals included “a diverse range of domestic, livestock, and exotic species, including horses, goats, pigs, turtles, tortoises, pythons, and various bird species.”
“Our responders on scene documented critical welfare failures and severe neglect throughout the property,” said Cesar Perea, associate vice president of rescue at American Humane Society. “These animals were deprived of the most basic necessities—food, clean water, and standard husbandry—leaving several animals, including horses, dangerously emaciated and forced to survive in hazardous conditions. We are deeply grateful to the Constable’s Office for stepping in, and our priority now is ensuring every animal receives immediate veterinary care and the safe, thriving homes they deserve.”
“San Antonio Zoo is committed to the welfare of all animals, not just the ones in our care,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Our veterinarian and technicians were proud to stand alongside American Humane Society to provide their expertise and support in giving these animals the care they deserve.”
The constable’s office said it requested American Humane Society’s involvement because of the organization’s specialized expertise in animal cruelty investigations and the severe conditions documented across the facility and animals. In addition to assisting with on-scene crime scene and evidence processing, the constable’s office said American Humane Society responders coordinated the safe transport of over 100 animals to a secure temporary sheltering facility, where they are receiving comprehensive forensic examinations, urgent medical treatment and ongoing care.
“Threats to animal welfare are taken seriously by our office, and we are committed to investigating these matters fully,” Spengler said. “Working together with our partners allows us to properly address these issues in our community, and we are deeply grateful to American Humane Society, San Antonio Zoo, and the volunteers who responded quickly to provide urgent care. This case remains an active investigation, and we will continue collaborating with these organizations to ensure the animals receive ongoing care.”
During the on-site investigation, responders discovered more than 20 deceased animals in varying states of decomposition, including approximately 15 horses and two primates, according to the constable’s office. The constable’s office said the deceased primates are being transferred to a veterinary forensics laboratory for necropsies to determine their exact cause of death.
Sheriff Josh Teitge said Spengler continues to lead the investigation and the sheriff’s office will continue to support his investigative efforts. The sheriff’s office said questions about the case should be directed to Spengler because the investigation is ongoing.