Animal Cops: Houston

The dedicated team at the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a private charity, responds to a variety of distress calls involving an average of more than 100 animals per day. This series documents the work they do, from the initial investigation through, in some cases, the animals being adopted into loving homes.

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Seasons

1. Hungry for Justice

Air Date: 2003-08-11

Chief Investigator Jim Boller responds to a dramatic case of horse neglect. And, they investigate the case of a Siberian tiger kept in a trailer.

2. The Wild Pack

Air Date: 2003-08-12

Chief Investigator Jim Boller and his team are put in charge of removing four black bears from a roadside zoo. And, they deal with a pack of 70 dogs running wild.

3. Dirty Work

Air Date: 2003-08-13

The team battles through thick mud to rescue abandoned ostriches and a wild boar. Plus, a dramatic late night call takes them to the scene of an alleged ritual sacrifice.

4. Graveyard Farm

Air Date: 2003-08-14

A police raid on an illegal cockfight leads to a long night for the SPCA team. And, a dog is brought to the hospital with life-threatening gunshot wounds.

5. Little Miracle

Air Date: 2003-09-25

The investigators battle to leash a group of fighting dogs. And, the plight of a pregnant horse foreshadows a life and death struggle.

6. A Foal Named Freedom

Air Date: 2003-09-29

The SPCA helps bring a foal named Freedom into the world; fighting to save six neglected Rottweiler puppies; newborn kitten entombed behind a brick wall.

7. Guarding Angel

Air Date: 2003-10-20

As the Texas temperatures soar, the animal cops face the delicate problem of trying to free a puppy trapped underneath a house; the race is on to save 16 horses.

8. Courtroom Drama

Air Date: 2003-12-01

Senior Investigator Max Mixson rescues six hamsters put out with the household garbage. And, tense scenes and a warrant lead to the rescue of neglected horses.

9. Parrot Rescue

Air Date: 2003-12-03

Senior investigator Max Mixson has the tricky task of rescuing some parrots that have been left home alone; investigating reports of dying puppies; old abandoned horse needs home.

10. Deep Wounds (aka Torrential Rain)

Air Date: 2004-01-26

An investigator tries to save horses in danger of drowning after torrential rain and flash floods hit Houston; a dog has a rusty chain embedded in its neck.

11. Puppy Mill Raid

Air Date: 2004-01-27

Investigators move in to seize over 200 dogs from an overcrowded puppy mill, and an abandoned dog wins the heart of investigator Scott Wernick.

12. Beagle Rescue

Air Date: 2004-02-28

1. A Soldier's Best Friend

Air Date: 2004-06-14

An American soldier rescues an injured puppy from the streets of war-torn Iraq. With help from the Houston SPCA, he flies the pup back to the United States.

2. Criminal Acts

Air Date: 2004-06-15

The team investigates and attempted poisoning of a family dog in a Houston neighbourhood. And, investigators rescue two neglected, lame horses.

3. Horse Quarantine

Air Date: 2004-06-16

A deadly disease strikes the shelter, threatening the life of every horse in the SPCA's stable block. Plus, the team rescues an abandoned dog and her pups.

4. Fighting Camp

Air Date: 2004-06-17

The team takes part in a dramatic dawn raid to shut down one of the city's biggest illegal dog fighting operations. What they find on the property shocks them all.

5. Center of Chaos

Air Date: 2004-06-18

Assistant chief investigator Charles Jantzen sets out to save 70 cats and dogs in a filthy, privately-owned animal rescue centre.

6. Trouble

Air Date: 2004-08-02

A rookie's attempt to save a dog with a rusty metal chain embedded in its neck touches everyone at the Houston SPCA shelter.

7. Animal Round-Up

Air Date: 2004-08-03

Fifty animals are removed from an elderly hoarder's Texas home; two Great Danes must be rescued from a locked junkyard; Dog hit by car has one eye and broken leg.

8. The Big Cases

Air Date: 2004-08-04

Emaciated horses; dead dog tied to fence and Rottweiler with dying puppies; farm with animals in terrible living conditions; dog with embedded metal chain around its neck;all these and more are revisited as we get updates on the animals.

9. Deer Rescue

Air Date: 2004-08-05

Chief Investigator Boller leads the rescue of a deer that was badly injured after running through an office glass window. And, an angry owner wants to keep his six dogs.

10. Trailer Park Tears

Air Date: 2004-08-06

A senior investigator is injured and rushed to the ER during a raid at the home of an elderly cat collector. But will his injuries be serious?

11. Mission to Save

Air Date: 2004-10-04

SPCA investigators seize a horse with a horrific leg injury. Emotions run high as they fight to save the animal and bring the owner to justice.

12. Justice Is Served

Air Date: 2004-10-05

Loose dogs; an abuser of a horse, cat, dog and bird receives justice; abandoned snake roams wild; pack of dogs terrorises a neighbourhood.

13. Blessed Puppies

Air Date: 2004-10-06

Investigator Barbra Christiansen has a threatening standoff with a neglectful dog-owner; a church drain traps puppies.

14. Armed Siege

Air Date: 2004-10-07

An angry man pulls a gun on Houston SPCA officer Max Mixson as he's investigating a complaint about the man confining more than 100 dogs in his property.

15. No Longer Abandoned

Air Date: 2004-10-08

An abandoned dog wins the heart of an SPCA investigator; cops seize more than 200 dogs from an overcrowded puppy mill; investigators try to keep emaciated horse alive.

1. Survivors

Air Date: 2005-02-21

A shocking discovery leads to a life-and-death battle for a litter of pups and an emaciated mare struggles to give birth to her foal.

2. Mini Horse Power

Air Date: 2005-02-22

Investigators try to keep 30 starving horses alive; investigation leads to a dead dog tied to a fence.

3. Exotic Cat House

Air Date: 2005-02-23

Raid on a dog fight finds injured dogs and lots of money; house contains more than 100 exotic hybrid cats.

4. Busted for Cruelty

Air Date: 2005-02-24

Emaciated pit bulls are found during a homicide investigation; over 200 starving chickens; horse is unable to stand up.

5. Intentionally Vicious

Air Date: 2005-02-25

Cat is brought in severely burned and the teen owner is the prime suspect; dog is shot; 55 rabbits run rampant in small house.

6. Brutal Beating

Air Date: 2005-03-28

A pit bull is shot and beaten to death within an illegal dogfighting ring; a boxer dog has mysterious burns up and down her back.

7. Helpless Horses

Air Date: 2005-03-29

A dog is shot and left fighting for its life; investigators find a neglected horse that has suffered a fatal injury.

8. Down and In Danger

Air Date: 2005-03-30

Cruelty investigators seize 11 battle-scarred pit bulls during a dogfighting raid while the ringmaster is taken into custody.

9. A Little Pixie Dust

Air Date: 2005-03-31

The Houston SPCA helps out a three-legged Labrador; rescuing a missing dog in need of urgent medical attention.

10. Super-Sized Seizures

Air Date: 2005-04-01

A 100 dog rescue leads to an armed siege; over 30 cats and dogs seized at the home of a cat collector; 220 dogs seized from puppy mill; 140 hybrid cats seized.

11. Caught on Tape

Air Date: 2005-05-11

Police and SPCA investigators try to bring to justice a pet owner caught on camera abusing a puppy; struggling to get a horse to stand after a collapse.

12. Wild-Eyed Stallion

Air Date: 2005-09-12

Chief Investigator Boller saves horses from slaughter at a livestock auction by outbidding buyers from meat markets. Investigators are called in to round up some starving cattle.

13. From the Horse's Mouth

Air Date: 2005-09-13

The dedicated team at the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a private charity, respond to a variety of distress calls involving an average of more than 100 animals per day. This series documents the work they do, from the initial investigation through, in some cases, the animals being adopted into loving homes.

14. Charlie the Mule

Air Date: 2005-09-14

Investigators transport a desperately ill mule back to base for emergency medical treatment. Later, the SCPA join the sheriff's department in a night-time raid.

15. Bovine Burglary

Air Date: 2005-09-15

Investigators check out a report of stolen cattle and find a dozen cows abandoned by thieves beside a busy freeway.

16. Wet and Wild

Air Date: 2005-09-16

Investigators seize seven horses from a filthy, waterlogged field. The rescue turns dramatic when the horses show no inclination to leave peacefully.

17. To the Max

Air Date: 2005-12-13

When SPCA Investigators are called to a remote property, they encounter one the worst causes of neglect. They find one horse dead and four more barely alive.

18. Hard to Forget

Air Date: 2005-12-13

The investigators of the Houston SPCA recall their most unforgettable cases. The team deals with an amazing ten thousand cases every year.

1. Baby Love

Air Date: 2006-03-13

Investigators rescue an abandoned mare and her newly-born foal. The baby is in serious condition, but the team pulls out all the stops to save him.

2. Cody's Comeback

Air Date: 2006-03-14

Following heavy rain, animal cruelty investigator Barbara Christiansen is called to rescue a horse lying in a pool of water.

3. The Comeback Colt

Air Date: 2006-03-15

The SPCA battles to bring two emaciated dogs back from the brink of death; the team races against the clock to save a family of cats left home alone.

4. Three-Legged Achilles

Air Date: 2006-03-16

The team seizes an emaciated boxer; surgeons battle to save a rescued dog with a life-threatening injury.

5. Unexpected Delivery

Air Date: 2006-03-17

Investigator Max Mixson rescues a young foal with a dislocated knee, but the team must execute a seizure warrant before they can rush the foal back to the shelter.

6. Sweet as Sugar

Air Date: 2006-07-17

Chief Investigator Charles Jantzen rescues Sugar, an emaciated mare in desperate need of help. Plus, the team seizes two Great Danes left home alone.

7. Shining Star

Air Date: 2006-07-18

Star, a young mare, is 200lbs underweight; thanks to the intervention of the Houston SPCA, she gets a second chance at a happy life.

8. Hurricane Rita Response

Air Date: 2006-07-19

9. Grandma Grey

Air Date: 2006-07-20

10. Stubborn Joe

Air Date: 2006-07-21

11. Baby Boom

Air Date: 2006-09-14

12. Pigpen

Air Date: 2006-10-30

13. Tigers and Bears, Oh My

Air Date: 2006-10-31

The Houston SPCA investigators embark on a challenging mission to rescue 11 bears and a pair of tigers.

14. 600 Dogs Too Many

Air Date: 2006-11-01

The owner of a privately run animal charity is reluctant to give up some of the 600 rescue dogs she currently has at her shelter after it all proves too much for her.

15. Dirty Dozen

Air Date: 2006-11-02

16. Under Pressure

Air Date: 2006-11-03

1. Junkyard Dog

Air Date: 2007-01-22

When a panic attack causes a dog's body temperature to rise to dangerous levels, the Houston SPCA team races against time to save the canine.

2. Boris the Boar

Air Date: 2007-01-23

Boris the boar is found abandoned without food or water in disgusting conditions. Can the HSPCA investigators work their magic and save him?

3. Engine Kitty

Air Date: 2007-01-24

With temperatures in Texas soaring, the heat is on for SPCA investigator Sage Whitney when she's called to rescue a kitten which is trapped in a car engine.

4. The Stallion Survivor

Air Date: 2007-01-25

A violent clash between two warring stallions presents the SPCA team with a massive challenge. And, a dog and her puppies are found dumped on a street.

5. Matted Murray

Air Date: 2007-05-25

The team try to help a tiny dog with a coat so matted and filthy, they need to sedate him to remove it. It is a case Investigator Dana Moss will never forget.

6. Long and Sleepless Night

Air Date: 2007-09-06

Cruelty Investigator Randy Farmer is called to a suspected dog breeding facility and discovers dozens of dogs in poor health. Also, a suspected cockfighting operation is investigated.

7. Perfect Angel

Air Date: 2007-09-24

The Houston SPCA investigators rescue a puppy suffering from horrific injuries including 13 broken bones.

8. Sanctuary Seizure

Air Date: 2007-09-25

SPCA investigators, medical staff and volunteers are called in to remove nearly 200 birds and mammals from a sanctuary which is believed to be neglecting the animals.

9. Catahoula Puppies

Air Date: 2007-09-26

HSPCA investigators get involved when a raid on a drug smuggling operation reveals hundreds of fighting roosters, and one of the team rescues two dogs which are about to give birth.

10. Ferret Frenzy

Air Date: 2007-09-27

The investigators discover a colt that cannot even stand up, and a trio of ferrets who have been abandoned in freezing conditions in a house.

11. Six Mangy Mutts

Air Date: 2007-09-28

Investigators Sage and Enrique come to the aid of a litter of puppies. The dogs have been discovered in a ditch outside Houston and all are suffering from mange.

12. Fighting Birds

Air Date: 2007-10-29

Police raid a rooster fight in full swing and the Animal Cops team swoop. A couple who have been fostering unwanted animals are overwhelmed; it's time for Dana Moss to help.

13. Little Colt That Could

Air Date: 2007-10-30

Three horses are being neglected to the point of starvation. They have become so desperate, even sand is valuable food. When one collapses, the team have to pull out all the stops.

14. Amazing Transformations

Air Date: 2007-10-31

Animal Cops investigators always hope for a full recovery with all their rescues. The team re-visit dramatic cases to see how the neglected animals are progressing.

15. From Cages to Comfort

Air Date: 2007-11-01

When bears and tigers were found in a chicken shed, it was one of the most dramatic rescues ever. The team catch up with them as they enjoy new lives.

16. Desperate Measures

Air Date: 2008-03-31

Investigators from the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals fight against animal abuse. Investigator Kristie Franks chases after a dog with an embedded collar.

17. Chance Encounters

Air Date: 2008-04-01

Investigators from the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals fight against animal abuse. This time, two horses are being dragged behind a lorry on a motorway.

18. Beyond the Call of Duty

Air Date: 2008-04-02

Two emus need to be rounded up and brought back to the Houston SPCA. Elsewhere, a routine capture becomes an emergency rescue.

19. Extreme Rescues

Air Date: 2008-04-03

When Houston SPCA Investigator Stephen Goldman checks on a dog breeder's kennel, he is shocked to find dozens of American bulldogs close to death.

20. Saved From Misery

Air Date: 2008-04-04

Houston SPCA Investigator Stephen Goldman rescues a miniature horse, while elsewhere, two abandoned dogs run loose.

21. Thirty-Five's a Crowd

Air Date: 2008-04-05

Houston SPCA Investigator Barbra Christiansen responds to a call involving what sounds like a serious case of cat overcrowding - one house...thirty-five cats.

22. Catching Chickens

Air Date: 2008-04-06

In 100-degree heat, Houston SPCA investigators must catch scores of chickens that have not been fed or watered.

1. Triumph Over Adversity

Air Date: 2008-06-09

Investigator Stephen Goldman receives a call about a dog stuck in a fence; when he arrives at the scene, Stephen finds the dog is so starved it's not able to walk.

2. Rescued from the Brink

Air Date: 2008-06-10

When investigator Dana Almengor discovers two dead dogs and six severely starved beagles trapped in a kennel, she's determined to find out who's responsible.

3. In the Nick of Time

Air Date: 2008-06-11

The Houston SPCA have to save two starving horses left in a waterlogged paddock. Elsewhere, an abandoned golden retriever is driven crazy by a mysterious itch.

4. Helping the Helpless

Air Date: 2008-06-12

Houston SPCA investigator Sage Halford seizes some pit bulls that were used for fighting. Later, he tackles the dogs' owner in court.

5. Snakes Alive

Air Date: 2008-06-14

Snake enthusiast and Houston SPCA investigator Dana Almengor is called into action after a boa constrictor is found at a site in Galveston.

6. Cats In Trouble

Air Date: 2008-06-26

When it becomes apparent that a group of cats are in peril, the investigators from the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals swoop into action.

7. Wild Cats

Air Date: 2008-06-26

8. Fearless in Duty

Air Date: 2008-07-14

Chief Investigator Charles Jantzen rescues 37 dogs from a house fire. Later Rescue Technician Roman Leal crawls down a drain to save five stranded puppies.

9. Fight for Survival

Air Date: 2008-07-15

It's a busy day for Investigator Trischa Price as she first seizes three starving horses, then saves trapped kittens and finally helps three abandoned puppies.

10. Outwitted

Air Date: 2008-09-06

The investigators are outwitted by a pack of abandoned cats; a boxer dog with some mysterious injuries.

1. Rescue Me

Air Date: 2008-10-09

Twenty cats are rescued from a hoarder; a horse with a leg injury is found north of Houston; and an investigator rushes to save a Saint Bernard.

2. Lost but Not Forgotten

Air Date: 2008-10-10

The team participates in a very large horse seizure. Also: Investigators rescue a dog left home alone and a kitten caught in a storm drain.

3. Kennel Seizure

Air Date: 2008-12-10

Investigators discover a kennel of sick dogs that have been fed carcasses.

4. Appaloosa Mare

Air Date: 2008-12-11

A group of starving horses is seized by investigators.

5. Super Trooper

Air Date: 2008-12-12

An underfed mare delivers a premature foal that requires round-the-clock medical attention.

6. Backyard Breeder

Air Date: 2008-12-29

A suspected overbreeder tries to avoid a home inspection.

7. Hurricane Ike

Air Date: 2009-01-05

Investigators go on a rescue mission after Hurricane Ike hits to save animals in Galveston, Texas.

8. Grumpy Wilma

Air Date: 2009-01-12

Two emaciated horses get help; and a surly pig gives an investigator the runaround

9. Missing Puppies

Air Date: 2009-02-23

Several endangered dogs are rescued from their deceased owner's property.

10. Insulin Injection

Air Date: 2009-09-28

An SPCA investigator finds a sick horse with discarded hypodermic needles nearby.

11. Fred the Chimpanzee

Air Date: 2009-10-05

A 25-year-old chimp is discovered living in a cramped cage in his owner's home.

12. Liberty County Battle

Air Date: 2009-10-19

Four starving horses and a calf are rescued following a confrontation with the owner. The owner later claims in court that the photographic evidence is fake.

13. Slick

Air Date: 2009-10-26

An investigator rescues two abandoned dogs.

1. Breathe

Air Date: 2010-04-05

2. Cry

Air Date: 2010-04-12

3. Trinity

Air Date: 2010-04-19

SPCA agents find a cruelly-neglected dog and seek justice against the owner.

4. Exodus

Air Date: 2010-04-26

7. Coming Up Daisy

Air Date: 2010-05-17

8. Tumor

Air Date: 2010-05-24

1. Hoarder

Air Date: 2011-09-07

Eight officers from the Houston SPCA answer the call from an animal hoarder who admits he is in way over his head.

2. Breeder

Air Date: 2011-09-12

Investigator Randy Farmer is called to a suspected dog breeding facility and discovers dozens of dogs in poor health. And a suspected cockfighting operation is investigated.

3. Frozen

Air Date: 2011-09-13

Police investigate a dog breeding facility where more than two hundred Rottweilers are found when a freak ice storm hits.

4. Trapped

Air Date: 2011-09-14

A mare named Bella has become stuck in a muddy creek and is slowly sinking. As time quickly runs out, the Animal Cops battle to save her life.

5. Vanished

Air Date: 2011-09-15

After investigators give the owner of three horses a warning about their care and conditions, the horses disappear.

6. Fragile

Air Date: 2011-09-19

The SPCA carries out a rescue operation of over sixty cats from a decaying house, while investigator Debbie Michaelson discovers newborn puppies hidden in a disused shed.

7. Chase

Air Date: 2011-09-26

Investigator, Maverick Wagner, tries to rescue an emaciated cat trapped in an empty house. Plus, Debbie encounters a pack of feral dogs and a grieving widow's potbellied pig.

8. Survivors

Air Date: 2011-10-03

Maverick seeks justice for the death of two huskies and fears there could be a third. SPCA investigates the death of horse, and rescue a dog trapped under a house.

9. Aftermath

Air Date: 2011-10-10

The SPCA enters the brutal world of illegal cockfighting when police surround the organisers in a nearby wood. Back at the shelter, two very ill horses shock the team.

10. Abandoned

Air Date: 2011-10-17

The Houston SPCA investigators discover a horse that has been left alone outside in a vacant parking lot.

11. Wounded

Air Date: 2011-10-24

Debbie attempts to bring an injured horse's owner to court and seizes numerous other neglected animals. Meanwhile a dog shot by a pellet gun is rushed to the SPCA hospital.

12. Endurance

Air Date: 2011-11-07

Debbie is horrified to find a herd of emaciated horses and Maverick rescues a dog with a serious leg wound. Plus, the team rescues some livestock during a heat wave.

13. Storm

Air Date: 2011-11-14

Maverick Wagner races to save an injured kitten that's fallen down a drain. Plus, investigators hurry to rescue a donkey buried up to its neck in mud.

14. Denial

Air Date: 2011-11-21

15. Heat

Air Date: 2011-11-28

16. Most Unwanted

Air Date: 2011-12-12

Houston SPCA looks back on some of the most heartbreaking cases that dealt with animals that just were not wanted.

17. Heatstroke

Air Date: 2012-01-23

18. Heart of a Hero

Air Date: 2012-01-30

19. Heatwave

Air Date: 2012-02-06

20. Emergency

Air Date: 2012-02-13

21. Wildfire

Air Date: 2012-02-27

1. Cat Hoarding House

Air Date: 2014-10-11

Houston SPCA investigate one of its biggest hoarding cases ever when more than 120 cats are found inside a quiet suburban house in horrific condition; neglected horse's embedded bridle hides horrible injuries; dog requires emergency surgery.

2. Truck Dragged Pony

Air Date: 2014-10-18

3. Abandoned Hero

Air Date: 2014-11-01

4. Justice Served

Air Date: 2014-11-08

5. Human Trafficking Operation

Air Date: 2015-02-08

6. Hoarder Apartment

Air Date: 2015-02-15

7. Snakes on the Loose

Air Date: 2015-02-22

8. Hoarder Family

Air Date: 2015-03-01

9. Spotter's Second Chance

Air Date: 2015-03-08

10. Extreme Hoarding Cases

Air Date: 2015-03-15

11. Most Shocking Cases