OWNER ARRESTED FOR CRUELTY TO LIVE STOCK ANIMALS

NEWS RELEASE

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office 3850 Justice Dr., El Paso, Texas 79938 Contact: Angelica Becerra / Public Information Officer    Office: (915) 538-2119 Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5237) EMAIL: abecerra@epcounty.com Website: EPCSO.ORG

“We Serve With Pride”

EL PASO, TX- On 11-08-11 at approximately 3:30 PM, a Sheriff’s Deputy  was dispatched to the 13400 block of Stable, El Paso County, TX in reference to Cruelty to Animals. Upon arrival the Deputy made contact with the reporter who advised him a brown horse and a miniature horse was seen on the property in a very poor health condition.

  Further investigation revealed their was no food for the horses/livestock and saw there was only pinto beans in the feeding area.  The horse appeared extremely emaciated and the miniature horse had unmaintained hooves that curled upwards. A thin Llama was also on the property and four dogs.

Immediate arrangements were made with El Paso County Sheriff’s Office/Animal Control Services to pick-up the animals the following day; due to the livestock's condition and improper feeding.

The Deputy made contact with the owner who was identified as Jesus Angel Melendez. The owner was placed under arrest for CRUELTY TO LIVESTOCK ANIMALS and was booked into the El Paso County Jail Annex. 

On 11-09-11 at approximately 12:00 PM a follow-up was conducted at the same address by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control Services. The owner/Jesus Melendez voluntarily relinquished the animals to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office who made arrangements with the Animal Rescue League of El Paso to foster the animals. The Animal Rescue League of El Paso and the Montana Vista Fire Department were on scene. Due to the owner’s neglect of not being able to provide the proper care for the animals; the emaciated horse, miniature horse, the Llama and four dogs (no proof of vaccination) were removed from the property. 

On 11-10-11 the Sheriff’s Office received information that the approximate 4 year old brown horse, due to its prolonged neglect, was euthanized after several attempts were made for several hours to feed the horse were unsuccessful. 

   
JESUS ANGEL MELENDEZ (45)
CHARGE: CRUELTY TO LIVESTOCK ANIMALS
BOND: $7,500.00

Taking care of animals is a major responsibility of the owner. If you find yourself not being able to provide the necessary care for an animal and you wish to surrender your pet, we urge the community to please call the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office/Animal Control Services @ 915-546-2280 non-emergency number OR 9-1-1 (if in the county)
OR
El Paso Humane Society of El Paso Inc. @ 915-532-6971(if in the city)
325 Shelter , El Paso, TX

Animal Rescue League of El Paso @ 915-877-5002
7256 La Junta Dr., Canutillo, TX

Pet Guardian Angel Welfare Inc. @ 915-877-3785

3910 Square Dance Road, El Paso, TX

Each listing of services have their own criteria for surrendering, adopting and providing for the animals welfare.