HILL COUNTY, Texas -- The Hill County Sheriff's Department is investigating after several head of cattle were discovered in dire conditions on property in Central Texas.
Hill County Chief Deputy R.D. White confirmed to WFAA that a seizure warrant was issued Friday morning for the animals, who were located on property near FM 933 and County Line Road in Hill County.
They were taken to West Auction Barn in West, Texas, just north of Waco.
Officials removed more than 300 animals, mostly longhorns, according to the Humane Society of North Texas. At least 17 were found dead on the property, and another 30 may have to be euthanized.
White said investigators had been monitoring the site for some time, but after receiving a picture of the dead longhorns, they decided to act swiftly.
No arrests have been made at this time, White said, and the investigation is ongoing.
A hearing was scheduled for next Friday at 1:30 p.m. to decide whether or not the animals should be returned to the owner.
Friday's seizure was coordinated with help from the Humane Society of North Texas.
"We have a long standing relationship with the Hill County Sheriff's office to assist abused or neglected
animals whenever possible," the HSNT said in a statement. "This is an active seizure; there will be more information to come."
KCEN contributed to this report.