Only on ABC-7: New Mexico Mobile Newsroom tours alleged ‘dog-hoarding home’
ABC-7 has new perspective on a case of animal hoarding just north of the Las Cruces city limits.
Our New Mexico Mobile Newsroom crew confirmed with Dona Ana County officials that a total of 34 Shepherd dogs were removed from a home at 3620 Southwind Road this week.
Our crew learned that former Dona Ana County Fire Marshal Robert Monsivaiz bought the property back in April and has since been in a legal dispute with an occupant who would not leave the home.
Monsivaiz said he finally got inside the home this week when county officials moved in to remove the dogs.
ABC-7 News Operations Manager Tom Scott went inside the home with Monsivaiz Thursday afternoon. Scott reported there was a much as a 6-inch layer of feces covering most of the 3,000 square foot home. Scott described the smell inside the home as “unbearable.”
Director of Mesilla Valley Animal Services, Dr. Beth Vesco-Mock, told ABC-7 that 17 of the dogs were euthanized for various reasons ranging from aggressive behavior to old age and bad health. Four puppies were sent to Santa Fe to be treated. The others are at the Mesilla Valley Animal Services shelter and will be available for adoption soon.
Doa Ana County spokesman Jess Williams said charges are pending against the person living in Monsivais’ house.
Look for our exclusive video from inside the so-called “dog hoarding home” tonight on ABC-7 at 6 with Rick Cabrera and Estela Casas.
