Police seize 13 horses

JAMAICA BEACH — Thirteen horses, a mule and a sheep were seized Friday afternoon on acreage behind an RV park after the Galveston Police Department received complaints of animal neglect.

As part of the civil seizure, all the animals, including some healthy horses, will be examined and taken to Habitat for Horses in Hitchcock.

Police received a complaint in August after someone visited what the owner had advertised as a riding stable behind Jamaica Beach RV Park at 17200 FM 3005, said Lt. Joel Caldwell, who is in charge of the city’s animal services unit.

The visitor told police the horses were too thin to ride.

“We talked to the owner and explained what she needed to do,” he said. “Each time we talk to her, she has a different story, and in talking with her, she really doesn’t know what to do with the horses.”

Co-owner Charles Stewart said he and his wife, co-owner Terri Glenn, have had the horses for around four months and all were properly fed.

“We rescued them,” he said. “This is the payback we get for our good deed. It’s unbelievable.”

A trial date is set for Dec. 21 to determine who will get custody of the animals.