Dona Ana County Animal Control Investigates Possible Dog Fighting

Dozens of dogs taken by Animal Control officers from a southern New Mexico property. Dona Ana County officials said it could be a case of dog fighting.

The investigation unfolded on the 350 block of Lisa Drive in Chaparral. Investigators said they were trying to serve an eviction notice at a home when they found a lot more could be going on.

ABC-7 was the only news station at the home Thursday evening, arriving shortly after Dona Ana County Animal Control officers who stayed late into the night.

Authorities have not yet charged the dogs’ owner, but said they have evidence which suggests the dogs were used for dog fighting and it could have happened on the property.

Curtis Childress, Animal Control Supervisor said investigators found “things like spring poles that are used for strengthening a dog’s jaws, treadmills that are used for body conditioning and they are specific for the dogs. Not something you or I would use.”

Animal Control officials said eight adult dogs were found on the property, including three dogs with litters which totaled to about 25 dogs.

Several pit bulls were walked off the property. Also bull terriers, one cane corso neopolitan and a presa canario.

According to investigators, they are all fighting breeds. Some of the dogs, officials said have scars which may have com from dog fighting.

Neighbors explained the man renting the house and his family have lived there for about two years. People the neighborhood told us they’re shocked by the allegations.

Lorenzo Cano lives in the neighborhood. He said, “Mostly I’ve just seen them peaceful, having their dogs there. Nothing strange going on. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“That’s an awful thing to do,” Enrique Murillo explained. He said he usually walks his pit bull Kilo in that neighborhood. “Dogs aren’t for fighting. Some people have dogs as guard dogs and other people just have them because they’re a member of the family.”

The dogs taken from the property will be checked out by the county’s veterinarian.

Dona Ana County officials said as they continue their investigation, the dogs’ owner could face more charges for violating several county ordinances including not having permits for the number of dogs on the property.