Westway Man Accused Of Starving Two Dogs

WESTWAY, Texas — A Westway man was charged with animal cruelty after an Animal Services officer found two starving dogs on his property, a spokesman with the El Paso County Attorney’s office said.

On March 28, the officer found a white and brown pitbull mix dog that appeared to be starving. Her ribs and hip bones were protruding from her body, and there was no visible food or water.

The pitbull weighed less than half a normal weight, officials said. A brown boxer on the property also appeared to be hungry.

Photo courtesy El Paso County Attorney’s Office

A judge signed a warrant ordering Animal Services to seize the dogs, and the dogs’ owner Ernesto Chavez agreed on Wednesday to give up his rights to the dogs and pay $866 in court, veterinarian and medication costs.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Department is also investigating criminal animal cruelty violations that Chavez may face.