SPCA finds nearly 1,000 animals at Crosby home

By MIKE GLENN
An anonymous tip led investigators and Precinct 1 constable deputies to a home Thursday in Crosby, where they discovered about 1,000 animals held in cramped and filthy cages, officials said.
The animals, which include several hundred birds, along with dozens of dogs, rabbits and hamsters, were found about 6 p.m. at a home in the 3000 block of Barbers Hill Road.
"We're still removing animals from the property, SPCA spokeswoman Meera Nandlal said.
The animals were being held in cages crammed inside storage sheds on the property, she said.
"From what we understand, (the owners) were selling them to pet stores, Nandlal said.
The cages were covered in filth and spider webs. Many did not have food or water for the animals being held, officials said.
"Those (cages) that do have water it's not fresh, Nandlal said. "There doesn't appear to be a lot of new food in the cages.
She said the owners were at the scene, but she did not know whether they would be cited.
The animals will be taken to the SPCA's Houston headquarters for a medical examination. Nandlal said the agency will present its information to a judge to determine who will get custody of the animals.
mike.glenn@chron.com