Doña Ana County Animal Control officers found 21 dogs that were dead or malnourished and neglected at a home in Chaparral, New Mexico, authorities said.
The dogs were seized when animal control officers, assisted by sheriff’s deputies, served a warrant as part of a severe case of animal neglect on Tuesday, April 21, at a home in the 600 block of Palmas Street, Doña Ana County spokeswoman Ariana Parra stated in a news release.
The homeowner had been previously arrested in an undisclosed case, leading to the large-scale animal seizure in Chaparral, a semi-rural community just across the state line from Northeast El Paso.
Three dead dogs were among 21 dogs found on the property, some were suffering from severe malnutrition and in medical distress, Doña Ana County reported.
Animal control officers working with the county’s veterinary team checked and remove the animals from the property, the county reported.
21 dogs found at Chaparral home
The 21 dogs included:
The 15 seized dogs, which are now being provided care, food and medical treatment, are being held by the county pending legal proceedings as an investigation continues, the county said. Two of the dogs are pregnant.
How many dogs and cats can you have in Doña Ana County?
Doña Ana County has an ordinance regulating how many animals can be on a property. The ordinance requires a permit for any property with more than six dogs, cats or a combination, the county news release stated.
Even with a permit, the maximum allowable number of animals is 15, the county stated.
Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com and @BorundaDaniel on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 21 dogs found dead or neglected at Chaparral, New Mexico, home
Reporting by Daniel Borunda, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
