VAN ZANDT COUNTY, TX — A Van Zandt County judge has awarded custody of 66 animals to the SPCA of Texas after they were found in severely neglected conditions on a property in Eustace. The animals, discovered in a metal building owned by Hayley Hull, were removed following a cruelty investigation and seizure on May 5, 2025.
Hull, who owns and operates “Yelp for Help Animal Rescue,” was arrested on May 29, 2025, and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals — neglect, a Class A misdemeanor. She was later released on a $10,000 bond.
The case began when Marcy McAlpin, founder of Noah’s Paws Animal Rescue, contacted authorities after being asked by Hull to temporarily care for animals on the property. Upon arriving, McAlpin found dozens of animals living in squalor and contacted the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and the SPCA of Texas.
On May 5, the SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit executed a search warrant and rescued 10 dogs and 56 cats from the building. Ammonia levels were measured at 50–53 ppm inside — more than double the limit considered safe. Investigators found animals living among feces, urine, overflowing litter boxes, and widespread illness.
The dogs were found with diarrhea, parasites, and fleas. The cats exhibited respiratory infections, eye diseases, lethargy, and untreated wounds. Two cats had previously lost their eyes due to severe infections. One kitten was found with a serious ear infection, and one cat later died from FIP while in SPCA care.
On June 11, 2025, Van Zandt County Judge Joshua Wintters ruled in favor of the SPCA of Texas, awarding permanent custody of all 66 animals to the organization and $22,090.75 in restitution.
Hull later posted on social media disputing the claims, stating the animals in question had genetic issues and prior medical care. She alleged the media had exaggerated the accusations and vowed to address the claims in court.
SPCA of Texas officials said the case serves as a tragic reminder of hidden neglect. “This case is a devastating example of how cruelty and neglect can hide in plain sight,” said Courtney Burns, CAWA, Chief Investigator with the SPCA of Texas. “Thankfully, once removed from that toxic environment and given proper medical treatment and compassionate care, these animals began to recover remarkably well.”
The SPCA of Texas urges anyone witnessing signs of animal cruelty to report it immediately.
Disclaimer: All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.