Anthony dad accused of beating his 4 sons, killing puppies and forcing boys to bury them

ANTHONY, New Mexico -- A 34-year-old Anthony father of four is facing child abuse and other charges after a daycare worker suspected abuse and reported it to authorities, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.

Investigators indicated Miguel Angel Sanchez is suspected of beating his four boys – all under the age of 12 – and then threatening the children if they told anyone about the abuse.

According to authorities, Sanchez is also accused of choking one of the boys and killing their puppies -- throwing some of them into the street into oncoming traffic, and killing the others by shooting them in the desert. One of the children reportedly recounted how their father forced him to bury the puppies after he killed them.

Sanchez was arrested earlier this week on charges of abuse of a child, four bribery of a witness and aggravated stalking for violating an order of protection. He was booked at the Doña Ana County Detention Center and released after posting $2,500 bond.