Animal cruelty charges brought against Mesilla, New Mexico man

A Mesilla, New Mexico man has been charged with three counts of extreme cruelty to animals and three counts of cruelty to animals with extreme negligence of three adult dogs and a litter of puppies.

An arrest warrant has been issued for John Levine of 8472 Calle de Brazito.

Animal Control reported that each dog was completely infested with ticks. Two of the six puppies had already died and the third, emaciated, lethargic puppy died while in the care of a local veterinarian.

According to officials with the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, a neighbor told the animal control officer that she was concerned about the dogs for some time because of their alleged lack of food and water.

The neighbor also claims that she has in the past offered to care for the dogs, even offering to pay for vet services and medication, but that Levine refused the offer on more than one occasion.

After the dogs were removed from the home the neighbor reported to law enforcement that Levine had made contact and she was in fear.