21 dogs found in severe neglect conditions at Chaparral home; 15 rescued

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County Animal Control officers rescued 15 dogs from a Chaparral home Tuesday after executing a warrant tied to reports of severe neglect.

Officers, assisted by the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, responded just before noon to a home in the 600 block of Palmas Street. They found 21 dogs living in poor conditions, including several that had already died and others suffering from extreme malnutrition and medical distress.

The homeowner had been arrested previously. Officials said the response was triggered by a call for service regarding the care of the animals.

Animal Control officers and the county’s veterinary team assessed the dogs and began removing them from the property.

Of the 21 dogs found:

• 15 were taken into custody and transported to the county’s Court Hold facility
• 3 were found dead at the scene
• 1 died while being transported for care
• 1 was euthanized due to the severity of its condition
• 1 escaped before officers could capture it

All 15 dogs now in county care are being treated for refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when food is reintroduced after prolonged starvation.

Veterinary staff are providing around-the-clock care, including overnight feeding schedules. Two of the dogs are pregnant and expected to give birth while in custody.

Officials said the case also involves violations of Doña Ana County ordinance 388-2022, which regulates multiple-animal properties. The ordinance requires a permit for more than six animals and caps the total at 15.

Investigators found 21 dogs on the property, exceeding the legal limit.

All animals will remain at the Court Hold facility while the case proceeds. The investigation is ongoing.