Police discover what they describe as a large-scale animal abuse investigation in Aransas Pass, Texas.

It started when officers received complaints from the community about a local resident’s animals and ended with officers seizing more than 40 dogs from his property today.

In a news release police say they visited Richard Gonzales’ home about a year ago and warned him to care for his dogs. But when officers recently went back to his house they say they found the situation had gotten worse.

“During that inspection, Gonzales had 42 dogs, most of which were living in deplorable conditions,” the news release said. “These conditions include soiled kennels, multiple dogs in undersized kennels, moldy food, dirty and non-consumable water or no water at all. Some of the dogs were also obviously suffering from medical conditions for which adequate care is not being provided.”

Police later returned to the home with a warrant and seized the dogs, which appear to mostly be smaller sized yellow Lab mixes.

The news release says 42 arrest warrants were served on Gonzales for cruelty to non-livestock animals.

Animal control officers say they will have a veterinarian examine, vaccinate, and treat dogs for any health issues, and petition to have the animals forfeited to the city so they can be adopted out or transferred to rescue groups.

If you’d like more information, or want to help, contact the Aransas Pass Police Department.