INTERACTIVE MAP: 3602 North Belt Line Road, Sunnyvale
Animals Seized
SUNNYVALE - Kearney's Feed Store has been in business in Sunnyvale for more than 100 years. But on Tuesday, its owner was arrested and the SPCA of Texas hauled away his livestock.
Earnest Kearney, 76, faces charges of cruelty to animals for keeping them in "deplorable" and "cruel" conditions.
Hundreds of animals - including horses, poultry, llamas and goats - were seized and taken into protective custody by the SPCA of Texas under the authority of Dallas County constables.
They say the animals at the feed store have been living under an abusive situation for years. It is alleged that the animals have been cruelly confined, drinking water contaminated with feces.
"Those businesses or individuals that profit through the sale of animals need to understand that the cruelty laws apply to them as well," said SPCA of Texas President James Bias. "If these animals are found to be in an abusive situation, they can face not only having those animals removed, but also criminal charges."
The SPCA says Kearney has received several warnings over the past few years.
William Kearney said his grandfather has been wrongly accused. "He works there seven days a week; this is his life," William Kearney said. The animals make him money, so he's not going to mistreat them.
It will be a few months fefore Kearney faces a judge; in the meantime, his livestock is all being removed to an SPCA facility in McKinney.
During the next 10 days, there will be a custody hearing. If it is determined that the animals have been subject to cruel treatment, they will remain in McKinney where the SPCA will nurse them back to health.
Suitable animals would then be offered for adoption.
