A 29-year-old man from Far East El Paso is facing an animal cruelty charge after El Paso County deputies say they found three dogs living in rough shape, including one allegedly trapped in a small wire cage under direct sunlight with no water. The other two dogs appeared malnourished, according to investigators. Detectives say they secured arrest warrants, the suspect later surrendered, and he was booked into the county detention facility late last week on a $6,000 bond.
What deputies say they found
Investigators went to the 12700 block of Montana Avenue near Rich Beem Boulevard on Tuesday and found three dogs with only limited access to food and water, as reported by KVIA. Deputies say one dog was confined to a small wire cage in direct sunlight without water, while two others looked malnourished. Detectives obtained three arrest warrants and identified the suspect as 29-year-old Emanuel Guillermo Torres Aguilar. According to the sheriff's office, he surrendered and was booked on May 29.
How animal services respond
El Paso Animal Services says its Animal Protection officers are the ones who dig into neglect and cruelty complaints, enforce city animal ordinances, and work with law enforcement when animals need to be seized, or cases head for criminal charges. According to El Paso Animal Services, residents should call 311 to report animal welfare concerns and dial 9-1-1 if an animal appears to be in immediate danger. The agency notes that pets must always have access to shade, shelter, wholesome food, and clean water, and that any tethering or confinement has to comply with local standards.
Local law and penalties
The City updated Title 7 of the municipal code earlier this year to spell out owner responsibilities more clearly and to create formal classifications for aggressive and vicious dogs, the City of El Paso said in a January release. At the state level, cruelty to non-livestock animals falls under Texas Penal Code Chapter 42 (see §42.092), and the level of the charge and punishment depends on what conduct is alleged and what evidence is presented. Prosecutors decide which counts to file, and if there is a conviction, a judge ultimately determines the sentence.
Where this case fits
This latest arrest comes on the heels of other local neglect cases earlier this year. In one January incident, deputies obtained a warrant after finding a dog confined to a small crate with an untreated wound, as reported by KVIA. Officials say cases like these highlight ongoing enforcement work and just how crucial community tips can be in getting animals out of dangerous situations.
If you suspect animal cruelty inside the City of El Paso, call 311, and if an animal seems to be in immediate danger, call 9-1-1, El Paso Animal Services says. Residents outside city limits should contact their local animal control office or law enforcement agency so animals can be checked, and investigators can step in when needed.
