John Levine of 8472 Calle de Brazito, has been charged with 3 counts of Extreme Cruelty to Animals and 3 counts of Cruelty to Animals for his extreme negligence of 3 adult dogs and a litter of puppies.
Animal Control reported that each dog was completely infested with ticks. Two of the 6 puppies had already died and the third, emaciated, lethargic puppy died while in the care of a local veterinarian.
A neighbor told the officer she had great concern for the dogs for quite some time because of their lack of food and water. In the past, the neighbor had offered to care for the dogs, even offering to pay for vet services and medication. The defendant refused the offer on more than one occasion. After the dogs were removed from the home the neighbor reported to law enforcement that the defendant had made contact and she was in fear.
An arrest warrant has been issued for John Levine, bond was set at $5000.
Information from: Dona Ana County District Attorney