A Van Zandt County judge has granted permanent custody of 66 severely neglected animals to the SPCA of Texas, following their removal from a property in Eustace on May 5, 2025. The animals were discovered in a metal building owned by Hayley Hull, who operates "Yelp for Help Animal Rescue."
Hull, 48, 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 investigation began when Marcy McAlpin, founder of Noah’s Paws Animal Rescue, contacted authorities after Hull asked her to temporarily care for animals on the property. Upon arriving, McAlpin found dozens of animals living in squalor and immediately alerted 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, rescuing 10 dogs and 56 cats. Investigators found ammonia levels inside the building ranging from 50–53 ppm, more than double the safe limit. Animals were living amidst excessive feces, urine, overflowing litter boxes, and widespread illness.
The rescued dogs suffered from diarrhea, parasites, and fleas. The cats exhibited respiratory infections, eye diseases, lethargy, and untreated wounds, with two cats having previously lost their eyes due to severe infections. One kitten was found with a serious ear infection, and tragically, 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 them permanent custody of all 66 animals and $22,090.75 in restitution.
Hull has since disputed the claims on social media, stating the animals had genetic issues and prior medical care, alleging media exaggeration, and vowing to address the accusations in court.
"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.
