Sheriff's Office Awarded Custody of Seized Horses, Sheriff Seeks to Reunite Animals With Buyers, LIVINGSTON, November 17, 2015 - On Monday, November 9, 2015, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation of cruelty to animals on Rhett’s Run in Livingston, Texas. Deputies observed animals in malnourished condition being neglected. A search warrant authorized by County Court At Law Judge Tom Brown was executed on the property. The animals were cared for and left in place until a seizure warrant could be obtained.
The owners James and Connie Lashmet are operating a transportation and boarding facility known as Second Chance Quarantine. These horses are reportedly purchased at auctions by a third party buyer which require the horse to be placed in Quarantine for 30 days. The Lashmet’s are hired by the buyer and the horses are transported to Livingston, Texas for the quarantine period. On Tuesday, November 10, 2015, an Animal Seizure Warrant was obtained from Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Jamie Jones and executed. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Seized 25 horses, 5 donkeys, 2 dogs and a pig.
On Thursday, November 12, 2015, deputies learned of a pasture used by the Lashmet’s on Holland Road in Moscow, Texas, occupied by 5 horses in malnourished condition. The animals were cared for and left in place until a seizure warrant could be obtained. Seizure Warrant was obtained from Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Jamie Jones and the additional horses were seized. Hearing is set for Tuesday, November 17, 2015, on the additional 5 horses.
On Friday, November 13, 2015, a seizure hearing was held and Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 David Johnson awarded the animals to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office with intentions of reuniting them with the third party buyers.
The Sheriff’s Office will maintain custody of the animals through the appeals period. After the appeal period has expired, a property hearing will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2015, 2:00p.m. at Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Jamie Jones Office, 602 East Church Street, Livingston, Texas. Anyone declaring ownership of any of the animals will need to appear at this hearing in person. They will need to testify about and provide evidence of ownership in the hearing. This will be the disposition date of the animals. Any animals not claimed will be turned over to a non-profit animal rescue to be determined.
The Sheriff’s Office has been contacted by many individuals claiming ownership of the horses. We ask that you contact Cpl. Terry White by email at twhite@polkcountyso.net if you are the owner of any of these horses.
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