SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES A REPORT OF ANIMAL ABUSE

NEWS RELEASE

EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS- 01-27-2012  The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the Texas Animal Health Commission investigating the possible report of animal abuse involving several horses on the east side of El Paso County. The Sheriff’s Office is working with the Doña Ana Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico, where the horses were located prior to having been moved to El Paso County. The horses originally came from an Indian reservation in Arizona and other areas of New Mexico. The preliminary investigation indicates 65 horses from Santa Teresa, New Mexico were originally bound for Mexico to be slaughtered. However, Mexican officials refused entry to these horses because they appeared to be sick, malnourished and injured. The horses were transported back to Santa Teresa, New Mexico and then transported into Texas to the current location in East El Paso County.  A hold order was placed on the horses at the ranch where they are currently being kept. The local veterinarian who is assisting with the investigation, indicated that the horses he observed were in relatively good condition but that they did appear thin. He also said that the horses did have water, molasses, salt blocks and minerals. Arrangements are currently being made to fly over the ranch with a veterinarian to look at approximately 50 additional horses. The Sheriff’s Office is taking this case seriously and is also receiving assistance from several local animal rescue groups, the National Humane Society, the El Paso County Attorney’s Office and Constable Rheda A. Sommers of Precinct 7.

THIS IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION.