Dona Ana Sheriff’s deputies continue looking for man wanted in animal cruelty case

ABC-7 has obtained photos of puppies infested with ticks that are at the heart of an animal cruelty investigation in Mesilla, New Mexico.

Investigators tell ABC-7 that John Levine ran from his home once authorities arrived at 8472 Calle de Brazito.

The property is about six miles south of Las Cruces off of Highway 478. The property had no signs of food or water for animals, according to Dona Ana County Sheriff’s officials.

Levine is charged with three counts of cruelty to animals for extreme negligence to three adult dogs and a litter of six puppies.

The dogs were completely infested with ticks, two had already died and a third died while in the care of a veterinarian.

Animal control arrived on scene March 3 and Levine was officially charged March 20.

All of the surviving animals have been medically cleared and have been adopted.

ABC-7 also has learned Levine is wanted on a child abuse charge.