A San Elizario couple is facing animal-cruelty charges after animal-welfare officers say they found the pair's dog last Thursday living in filth and so severely emaciated that its ribs, spine, and facial bones were visible. Authorities say the animal was confined to a cramped, trash-strewn space with no food or water and left to bake in the summer heat.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office identified the pair as 30-year-old Carlos Jasso and 25-year-old Myalena Morales. Deputies say they obtained arrest warrants before taking the two into custody Monday evening. According to KFOX, both were booked into the El Paso County Downtown Jail on charges of cruelty to non-livestock animals. Jail records reviewed by the station show bond was set at $5,000 for Jasso and $3,000 for Morales, and both were released after posting surety bonds the following day.
What deputies say they found
According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the dog was discovered last Thursday on the 12100 block of Socorro Road, living in unsanitary conditions, surrounded by trash and dried feces, with no visible access to food or water. The office said the animal showed "signs of extreme emaciation," including visible ribs and facial bones, during the welfare check. Deputies told reporters the owners failed to provide proof of recent veterinary care as the inquiry unfolded.
Booking, bond and what's next
Deputies obtained arrest warrants and arrested Jasso and Morales on Monday at about 6:59 p.m., according to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Both were booked into the county's downtown detention facility. Facility listings show the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility at JailExchange. Prosecutors will review the animal-welfare investigation and decide whether to file formal charges as the case moves forward.
Enforcement trends in the Borderland
Animal-welfare probes and seizures have been increasingly visible in recent weeks across El Paso County, with deputies and county animal-welfare officers conducting several raids that resulted in dozens of animals being removed from neglected properties. A Far East El Paso raid that saved 35 animals recently underscored local authorities' stepped-up responses to similar complaints, as per Hoodline. Local advocates say the region's hot weather and limited shelter capacity complicate rescue and rehabilitation, factors deputies point to when prioritizing welfare checks.
Anyone with information about this case or other suspected animal abuse is asked to contact the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Animal Welfare unit or El Paso Animal Services. For general animal-welfare resources, see El Paso Animal Services or reach out to local law enforcement to report concerns.
