Las Cruces police arrest man in suspected animal cruelty case

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - A Las Cruces man accused of throwing rocks at two dogs in his backyard was arrested Wednesday, and the animals were taken to a veterinary clinic for evaluation.

Luis J. Cobos, 36, is charged with two felony counts of extreme cruelty to animals. He was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center and is being held on a $2,500 surety bond.

Animal Control officers responded about 10:15 a.m. Wednesday to a report of suspected animal abuse on the 1300 block of Mission Nueva Drive. Contractors working nearby told authorities they witnessed and recorded video of Cobos throwing rocks at what appeared to be at least one dog in the backyard. They reported the suspected abuse to Animal Control, and the video was later posted to social media, where it has been widely viewed.

By Wednesday afternoon, Las Cruces police obtained a warrant to search the property and take custody of the dogs. Investigators found four dogs on the property and, with assistance from Animal Control, transported two basset hounds, a male and a female, to a veterinary clinic. Police said an adult male basset hound showed visible signs of physical abuse and received treatment.

The dogs do not belong to Cobos and are not available for adoption. Authorities said they belong to an individual who lived with him.

All four dogs have been taken to the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, where they will remain until they can be reunited with their owner. Police said the owner has taken proper care of the dogs and was not involved in the reported abuse.

Authorities urged the public to avoid confronting anyone at the residence, as Cobos is the only person suspected of harming the dogs.

Police and Animal Control encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects animal abuse to call Central Dispatch at 575-526-0795 or 911 in an emergency.