The Amarillo man accused of animal cruelty had a hearing Monday to see whether he'll regain custody of his animals.
After Randall County officials, the jury and Arturo Morales' Attorney deliberated, they decided to give the animals to the Amarillo Panhandle Humane Society.
Randall County Deputy Chase Dalston says, "Mr. Morales, he has retained a lawyer. And after speaking with his lawyer, he decided to go ahead and relinquish ownership of all his animals."
Public Information Officer Danny Alexander says, "They agreed they would forfeit the animals to the county. The county will in turn, turn them over to the humane society. And they will take custody of all the animals and fowl."
Area vets evaluated the health of Morales' 52 animals. Deputy Dalston says, "With proper nutrition, fed, proper diet. As far as you know a little bit of vet help. They'll all be able to be nursed back to health and should live out full lives."
Morales' criminal trial regarding 7 counts of animal cruelty is still pending. The verdict will decide whether he can own animals again.
The Amarillo Panhandle Humane Society says you can call them to adopt chickens, llamas, cows, and sheep right now. Director Jena McFall says, "Randall County has generously agreed to let us keep the animals here for the rest of the week, so we're going to provide food for them. And we ask that anyone who wants the animals, call us." Their number is (806)373-1716.
Jessica Abuchaibe, NewsChannel 10.
