EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A 36-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday evening, Feb. 19, after he was caught on camera throwing rocks at two dogs in the backyard of his home, the Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) said.
LCPD said Luis J. Cobos, 36, was arrested and 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, LCPD added.
Shortly before 10:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Animal Control was initially dispatched to the report of suspected animal abuse on the 1300 block of Mission Nueva Drive, LCPD said.
LCPD said contractors, who were working nearby, witnessed and recorded a video of Cobos throwing rocks at what appeared to be at least one dog in the backyard of his home.
The contractors reported the alleged abuse to Animal Control, and the video taken was later posted to social media where “it’s garnered thousands of views,” LCPD said.
LCPD said that by Wednesday afternoon, LCPD investigators obtained a warrant to search the property and take custody of the dogs.
During the execution of the warrant, investigators found four dogs on the property. Detectives, with the assistance of animal control, transported two basset hounds, a male and a female, to a veterinary clinic for evaluation, LCPD said.
LCPD said one of the two dogs, the male basset hound, had visible signs of physical abuse and was provided treatment at the clinic.
All four dogs have since been taken to the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley where they will temporarily be housed until they can be reunited with their owner, LCPD said.
LCPD said the dogs do not belong to Cobos and are not up for adoption. The dogs belong to an individual who resided with Cobos, LCPD added.
“By all accounts, the owner of the dogs has taken great care of the pets and is distressed by the actions of Cobos,” LCPD said.
“Police encourage individuals who are passionate about pet welfare to refrain from approaching or retaliating against persons who reside at the home as no one else, but Cobos, was involved in the mistreatment of the dogs,” LCPD added.
LCPD and Animal Control encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects animal abuse to immediately call Central Dispatch at (575) 526-0795 or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
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