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Jesse Garza -
Jessica Garcia
Granite Shoals police were dispatched Friday, Feb. 23, to the 100 block of E. Castlebriar Dr. in reference to a child being bitten by a dog.
While investigating the dog bite, an animal cruelty investigation was initiated due to 16 dogs being abandoned at a residence, without food, water, or necessary veterinarian care.
It was learned that the owners of the residence vacated the residence two weeks prior.
On Saturday, Feb. 24, members of the Granite Shoals Police department returned to the residence and seized 10 puppies and six adult dogs from a fenced yard that was not in condition to contain the dogs.
The dogs were in poor condition, infested with fleas and some appeared to suffer from malnutrition.
At this time, we are providing the dogs with the necessary shelter, food, water and veterinarian care in hopes that the animals will live a long and happy life.
Granite Shoals police arrested Jesse Garza Jr., 49, and Jessica Garcia Garza, 49, for 16 counts each of cruelty to non-livestock animals, a class A misdemeanor and transported them to the Burnet County Jail.
This case will be forwarded to the Burnet County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
The Granite Shoals Police Department will not tolerate the cruel treatment or abandonment of animals and will strictly enforce all applicable laws regarding the mistreatment of animals.
As of Feb. 29, both suspects remained in Burnet County Jail on bonds totaling $24,000.