- Texas, USA -
On February 7, 2023, Burkburnett Animal Services, Humane Society of Wichita County, and Animal Investigation & Response served a seizure warrant at Little Critters Pet Shop on 211 East 3rd Street in Burkburnett.
In a press release, Burkburnett Public Services said that in mid-December 2022, Animal Services received a complaint for animal welfare at the pet shop and members of the Animal Services Division responded to investigate. After checking the facility, it was determined that “the living conditions of the animals did not meet the expectations set forth in Texas law or City of Burkburnett ordinances.” Efforts to bring the store into compliance were unsuccessful so for the well-being of the animals inside the shop, officials determined that a seizure warrant was necessary.
According to the release, a total of 408 animals were removed and taken to a secure location.
KFDX/KJTL reported that their crew was on the scene and among the animals who were removed were “a number of birds, snakes, rabbits, guinea pigs, and many other pocket animals.”
Ms. Monica Ailey-Welborn, President and Co-Founder of Animal Investigation & Response, told KFDX/KJTL the poor animals were packed into a small building, not properly housed, there was barely any food or water for them, and not to mention animal feces just about everywhere.
News 6 reported that one cockatiel was euthanized due to respiratory distress and two injured wings caused by the living conditions. A tabby cat who was very thin with unkempt hair had to undergo surgery for a bacterial infection of the uterus.
On Friday, February 24, 2023, authorities arrested the owner of Little Critters Pet Shop, 69-years-old DEBORAH WOOD STAHR (pictured).
STAHR was booked into the Wichita County Jail on two counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals, class A misdemeanors. She was released after posting bonds totaling $3,000.
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STAHR’s mugshots shared from the Wichita County Jail.
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Seriously only two counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals, class A misdemeanors & then she was released after posting a measly bonds totaling only $3,000! Texas, you can do better!