Las Cruces dog trainer arrested for felony animal cruelty

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- The owner of a Las Cruces area dog training and daycare business has been arrested on extreme animal cruelty charges, Dona Ana County Sheriff's deputies announced Tuesday.

The arrest of April Tina Nastasi, 50, comes after authorities alleged that a dog placed in her care "experienced three gaping holes in his chest, which led to necrosis following hours of neglect."

In addition, sheriff's investigators said her business, April’s K911 Academy at 2735 Desert Wind Way in Las Cruces, was operating without a kennel license or a permit to board animals. 

Officials said the wounded dog, Thor, is slowly recovering at home with his owner after undergoing multiple surgeries - and may still face additional operations. The Alaskan Malamute's severe injuries and extensive loss of skin has complicated his recovery, according to the veterinarian who is handling his care.

"This dog was in so bad of care that this dog had a very good chance of dying," said Sheriff's Capt. Jeremy Hash.

Nastasi, who told ABC-7 that she holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and an associate's degree in equine science, said she never expected to be facing a charge of felony animal abuse.

Nastasi said Thor's injuries were the result of a fight he got into with two other clients' dogs; she added that she had to use a cattle prod to get him off the other dogs.

"I wish nobody ever got hurt," she said.

While the Sheriff's Office said the charges were filed because Nastasi didn't seek immediate care for Thor, she said the wounds didn't get infected and become noticeable until days after the fight. Nastasi added that as soon as she noticed and tried to take Thor to a vet, the owner arrived and called the police.

While this case remains under investigation, the Sheriff's Office urged anyone who observes animal cruelty to report it to the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority at (575) 526-0795 or by calling 911.