Animal Investigation & Response

RESPONSE UPDATE: April Roo’s & Crew 🧡🩵
Transparency is a core part of our integrity, and defending animal dignity is not always
how we picture it or hope it will be.
Recently, AIR Responders were called to assist law enforcement with a large-scale
seizure of game birds connected to suspected cockfighting. What these birds endured
was difficult to witness — law enforcement found many were underweight, some had
been live-plucked, and all showed signs of exploitation that was supported by evidence
found on site.
From the moment we said yes to this response, we committed to them.
Our team provided daily care, compassion, and stabilization. We secured reputable
sanctuary placement — something that is unfortunately rare for game birds — and began
the process of preparing them for transport across the country. AIR covered the cost of
required disease testing, daily care supplies and enrichment, because we believe these
animals deserve every chance at a safe and dignified future.
However, during that process, the birds tested positive for Infectious Laryngotracheitis
(ILT) — a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory system of poultry.
ILT spreads rapidly, poses a significant risk to other birds, wildlife, and the food chain,
and is strictly regulated by the state.
Because of this diagnosis, placement was no longer possible.
With guidance and in accordance with state regulations, the birds were humanely
euthanized.
This is never the outcome we want. None of us put on our AIR uniform expecting or
hoping for this ending. But defending animal dignity also means preventing further
suffering, protecting other animals, and ensuring that even in death, these birds are
treated with care, respect, and compassion.
We did not walk away when things became difficult.
We stood by them — through care, through testing, and through the hardest decision.
When law enforcement calls, especially for cases rooted in cruelty and exploitation, AIR
will always answer. Even when the outcome is heavy. Even when it hurts. And even when
we know we will unlikely be able to fundraise to cover the investment we have made to
try to ensure the possibility of a positive outcome.
We had begun calling them April Roo’s & Crew.
They mattered. They were seen. And they will not be forgotten.
Please keep our team in your thoughts.
🧡🩵
We want to thank the Parker County Sheriff's Office and the Weatherford Animal Shelter
for their collaboration and open mind to the possibility of having a “different” and positive outcome
for the birds. We know placement requires a lot of resources and manpower but it starts
with the willingness to see that immediate euthanasia for game birds should not be the
only outcome when resources are available.

We are so excited to be attending the Texas Unites for Animals Conference next week in Austin! 🧡

AIR and hundreds of other animal advocates from Texas are coming together to broaden our network in the animal welfare industry! The Texas Unites for Animals Conference provides us the opportunity to connect, share, and work together to improve the lives of pets and people in their communities.

If you are attending, stop by our booth and say hi! 🐾

POSTPONED TO SATURDAY APRIL 25th due to weather ☔️
We can't wait to see you at Fido Fest this Saturday at Heritage Park in Flower Mound from 10am-1pm! Admission is FREE!

There will be local vendors, dog friendly fun, and Walk for Dogs benefiting Humane Tomorrow!

It's going to be a day full of fun and supporting a great cause. 💙

Learn more here: https://humanetomorrow.org/events/fidofest2026/

Humane Tomorrow RespectOur Character Education program teaches pre-K through 2nd grade empathy and respect through animal stories kids can relate to…nextResponsibilityOur spay/neuter program helps pet owners do the right thing for their pets and the community.nextCompassionFlower’s Fund keeps families together ...

This week is National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week- but for us, that's EVERY week! We endlessly appreciate and thank all of the Animal Control Officers (ACOs) who continue to work tirelessly for animals in Texas and across the country. Thank you for all that you do. 🧡

🚨To enter your favorite TEXAS ACO into a drawing to win some AIR swag….tag them below and list what agency they work for 🙌🏼 Deadline to enter is April 19th. Must be a TEXAS ACO.

Without the support of ACOs, much of what we do wouldn’t be possible. AIR works to assist Texas Animal Control Agencies with large-scale cases of animal cruelty and disaster response at no cost to their agency. We constantly see first-hand how hard they work and greatly respect what they do. AIR is here to support them in any way that we can! 💪

Animal Investigation & Response (AIR) is proud to support the Parker County Sheriff's Office in this ongoing investigation and large-scale case. As outlined in their release, investigators identified deeply concerning evidence of organized cockfighting, including the live plucking of birds, an act that causes extreme pain and is widely recognized as a form of torture for over 350 game birds.

The birds were confiscated from the property and taken to an undisclosed and stationed location. AIR is coordinating veterinary evaluations in partnership with the Weatherford Animal Shelter veterinarian and staff.

"While we are grateful that these beautiful birds are not in the hands of someone who will add to their suffering, we know that this was a huge undertaking for all involved. We were all in agreement that these birds have suffered beyond comprehension but deserve a chance for a positive outcome if resources could be secured." says Monica Ailey-Welborn of Animal Investigation & Response, "In all the cockfighting cases we have assisted with, finding live plucked roosters was a first. I cannot begin to fathom the pain they have endured even before stepping in the fighting ring."

Through the partnership, the organizations will ensure all birds are tested for avian diseases. Pending testing results, reputable placement will be contacted through AIR's experienced placement partners to request placement consideration.
This case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, municipal shelters and specialized response organizations. AIR remains committed to supporting agencies in holding offenders accountable while ensuring animals receive the care and dignity they deserve. We offer our services at no cost to the requesting agency so there are no barriers to getting animals suffering the most out of harm's way

We do this so the animals have a better outcome for a much brighter future and communities have a positive option for animals in large-scale cruelty or disaster-related situations..

🍀 It's Ivy's big day!!🍀She is moving on to an exciting new beginning! We aren't sure how many years Ivy lived in the inhumane environment our team found her in. The few things we knew about her was that she was deaf, possibly visually impaired and got along with cats. She quickly became a volunteer favorite. She sat back watching us tend to the cat's medical needs. Then it was her turn. She loved the attention and delivered many kisses. She seemed slightly leery of walking outdoors but once she got comfortable, it was like she cherished the sun and clean air. She welcomed all the attention and love she could get!
Now for the good news - She has been accepted into Operation Kindness program where she will be available for adoption! But before she was transported to OPK, she got to hang out with our Director of Emergency Services, Kim M, waiting for her intake appointment. She got to feel the grass between her toes and enjoy the comfort of a safe environment. Oh and a kiss on the forehead for good luck (and love)!
Many thanks to Operation Kindness for stepping up to be a safe place for Ivy to stay while she awaits for the right person to make her theirs through adoption! We know she's in great hands! 💕💕

Today is Paige Anderson's heavenly birthday. 🤍

Paige was not just a co-founder of AIR, she was a fighter, a dreamer, and a champion for animals who had no voice. She spent years deploying across the country, witnessing the worst of animal cruelty, and instead of turning away, she turned it into action.

Together with Monica, she built something that continues to change lives every single day.

Paige believed that education was the key to justice for animals. That belief lives on through the Paige Anderson Fund, created to provide advanced training for the Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Control Officers, and responders on the front lines for animals.

On her birthday, the greatest gift we can give her is to keep her dream alive. 🧡

Give a gift to the Paige Anderson Fund For Education For Animal Welfare and help us continue Defending Animal Dignity in her honor.

HONOR PAIGE HERE: https://animalinvestigationandresponse.org/paige-anderson-fund/

🍀🚨UPDATE - St.Catricks Pack Transport Day🚨🍀 - Transport days are always exciting! It means it is time for the cats (and Ivy) to move on to the next step in their journey. We are so thankful to our placement partners for helping these beautiful animals receive the care that they need to heal. Once they have healed they will be available for adoption. We want to thank our AMAZING partners at Houston Humane Society and Humane Society of Wichita County for giving the St. Catricks cats a safe place to land. We could not do this work without you!
Please consider a donation to each of these organizations for their tireless work for animals! Oh, and stay tuned for a special followup on Ivy's transport Day!

🍀🚨St. Catricks Pack reveal🍀🚨 - We have been keeping a SECRET! If you saw our last post you may have caught a glimpse of a white dog. This dog was found among the cats and the heaps of what appeared to be years of accumulation and filth.

Through our partnership with the Keene Police Department, we were able to help this sweet dog, whom we have named Ivy, and the cats from this dire situation. We are always proud to assist agencies that take animal cruelty seriously. For a small, rural city, we know resources are limited. Our team provides our services at no cost to the requesting agency so there are no barriers to animals receiving help in emergency situations. This case was the largest animal case in Keene to date!

🍀Ivy and her pack of cats now have a chance for a better life. "I thought there was a chance Ivy could show signs of sadness for being removed from her home" says Monica Ailey-Welborn, President of Animal Investigation & Response "but after we got her into a better environment, fresh food/water and clean bedding, she looked as if she was having the best sleep of her life! Helping these animals move on to brighter futures is what makes it all worth it!"

Stay tuned for more updates on Ivy and her cat pack. To help animals like the 🍀St. Catrick's pack, consider becoming a monthly donor today. Help us to continue Defending Animal Dignity 🧡🩵💪🏼

Link ➡️ https://animalinvestigationresponse.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=60e7a568-18ea-4fe7-b488-31b898056266&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwQqLhtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe104h5xOSlPPmhPmbCdv_XlGIUTlqCsGgdjq7d6HSSVLalbN8MI_vSj4pCA4_aem_jCLN6VqMu25nrH6ilKZRjQ

🚨 Do you know the warning signs of animal hoarding?

It often starts with good intentions — but quickly becomes one of the most heartbreaking forms of neglect we respond to.

From overwhelming odors to animals in visibly poor condition, knowing what to look for could save lives.

We've put together a guide on the 5 warning signs to watch for in your neighborhood and exactly what to do if you suspect a hoarding situation.

Read the full post here: https://animalinvestigationandresponse.org/2026/03/16/5-warning-signs-of-animal-hoarding-in-your-neighborhood-and-what-to-do/

🍀Response UPDATE🍀St. Catrick’s Pack - On February 23, 2026, Animal Investigation & Response (AIR) assisted authorities with a warrant service at a residence that contained a large number of cats living in unsanitary conditions. AIR assisted with the safe removal and documentation of the cats and one dog from the residence.
AIR is committed to providing these rescued animals with the love and care they so desperately deserve. We provide our services at no cost to the requesting agency. We do this so there are no barriers to getting animals out of desperate situations.
👉🏼We urgently need your support! Every dollar counts and will make a world of difference in their healing journey!

🐈🚨Link to make a one time donation to the St. Catricks Pack Response so we can cover our expenses and help these animals continue on their journey:
https://animalinvestigationresponse.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=f9aead31-8e90-45f1-9b68-f686d64c8457

🍀🚨🚨Link to become a monthly donor. Note that we have a generous donor that will donate $100 for every new monthly donor (minimum of $30 a month) towards AIR’s mission:
https://animalinvestigationresponse.ddock.gives/?givingPageId=60e7a568-18ea-4fe7-b488-31b898056266