Delta County deputies say more than 150 animals, including livestock and companion animals, were removed from a property on Peach Valley Road after many were found without adequate food, water or shelter. Law enforcement has charged 40-year-old Delta resident Mikaela Rivas with 141 counts of cruelty to animals in connection with the case. Investigators also reported finding multiple deceased animals on the property.
Search warrant executed on Feb. 5
Deputies said they executed a search warrant on Feb. 5 after receiving reports of possible neglect, and worked alongside the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Humane Colorado and High Country Environmental Grazing during the operation, according to CBS Colorado. CBS Colorado reports the animals were transported off the property for immediate medical evaluations, veterinary care and pain management. Officials said additional charges could be announced pending the outcome of the investigation.
Animals arrived needing urgent care
Local reporting described the scene as unsanitary and said many animals arrived at shelters underweight or in poor condition, per KKTV. The seizure included both companion animals and livestock, and several required immediate veterinary attention. The sheriff's office thanked community members who reported concerns and the partner agencies that assisted with transport and care.
State law and penalties
Under Colorado law, cruelty to animals is generally a class 1 misdemeanor, while aggravated acts or repeat convictions can be charged as felonies, according to state statutes. Courts may order evaluations, treatment programs, mandatory fines and, in felony cases, bans on owning animals for several years, per C.R.S. 18-9-202. That means convictions in large-scale neglect cases can carry jail time and significant restitution or fines.
Delta County has seen similar large seizures
This is not the first high-profile animal seizure in Delta County: in 2025, deputies removed more than 160 dogs and 95 cats from a breeding operation, a case that later produced guilty pleas and highlighted the strain on rescues and shelters, according to KOAA. Local advocacy groups and rescue organizations say the cost and logistics of caring for large numbers of animals can overwhelm regional resources. Those pressures often leave nonprofits and county agencies scrambling to cover veterinary care and long-term placement.
Rivas has been booked on the misdemeanor counts and is presumed innocent while the case proceeds. The Delta County Sheriff's Office said investigators are continuing the probe and told CBS Colorado that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Delta County Sheriff's Office.
