North Texas woman arrested after more than 70 animals seized

WAXAHACHIE, TX -- A North Texas woman has been arrested after more than 70 animals were seized from her home.

The Waxahachie Daily Light reports that 69-year-old Gayle Justice was arrested Thursday and released on $1,500 bond.

During a routine welfare check, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office seized 68 dogs, three cats and one parrot. Deputies also found the carcasses of 15 to 20 dead dogs on the property.

Justice owns a dog-training business.

The seized animals, which appeared emaciated, are being examined and treated at a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescue center in Dallas. The nonprofit group says it responds to more than 3,000 cases of cruelty across Texas each year.

A custody hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Waxahachie.