Allegedly maltreated animals recently removed from a Texas ranch will be moving to new homes now that a Fannin County judge has put them in Habitat for Horses custody.

Fannin County police and Habitat for Horses investigators removed nine allegedly malnourished Miniature Donkeys and seven horses from a Leonard ranch last month after discovering the carcasses of at least 22 Miniature Donkeys and three horses on the property. One mare was euthanized shortly after the seizure. Habit for Horses has been providing rehabilitative care for the surviving animals.

On Thursday, Judge Joseph Dale awarded the agency custody of the animals.

The donkeys will move on to adoptive homes immediately. The horses will remain in foster homes pending their adoption, said Habitat for Horses President Jerry Finch