Father Arrested After Children Allegedly Had Animal Feces On Them

A Las Cruces father has been charged with child abuse after police found his home to be littered with animal feces.

David M. Lanning, 27, of the 1800 block of Bellamah Drive, was arrested Thursday, Dec. 2, and is charged with one count of negligent child abuse. Lanning was transported to the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $10,000.

According to Las Cruces Police detectives, they learned that Lanning, along with his wife and their two children, were living in the home along with at least 17 cats and four dogs. Police found the floors of the home to be covered with animal feces, and the stench from the droppings permeated throughout the residence causing breathing problems for all who lived there. The conditions were deemed to be a health hazard.

Lanning’s children were believed to have gone to school several times with clothes that contained visible signs of animal feces, police said.

Lanning’s wife was not charged as detectives said they believe she may have been a victim as well. The woman and her children have been relocated and Animal Control officers were called to take possession of the pets.

Las Cruces Police was alerted to the condition of the home by a caseworker from the state’s Children, Youth and Families Department.