WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Two people were arrested on Sept. 11 in connection to an animal cruelty case where several cattle were found dead or emaciated on a Liberty Hill property.
Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody reported that Howard and Carla Coursey were booked into the Williamson County Jail. Both were charged with cruelty to livestock animals.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office reported that on July 18, the livestock unit received a complaint regarding the neglect of numerous cattle on the 19000 block of West State Highway 29. The roughly 180-acre property extends into Burnet County.
Upon arrival, officials reported seeing a "boneyard" with the carcass remains of approximately nine head of cattle. Deputies returned on July 31 to a nearby property where they observed seven head of cattle that appeared emaciated. Another cow was seen trapped under a barbed-wire fence without the strength to get up.
RELATED:
After obtaining a search and seizure warrant, deputies said the cow that was trapped was now deceased. All livestock were then moved to a corral on the property where they were evaluated, all of which were observed to be emaciated or on the verge of emaciation.
The sheriff's office reported that 35 cows, one bull and 46 calves were seized from the property and transported to the Cameron Auction Barn, where they will receive veterinary treatment, food and water.