Westway Man Charged With Animal Cruelty

An El Paso County Attorney Jose R. Rodriguez said a Westway, Texas, man was charged with animal cruelty.

According to Rodriguez’s spokesman, Elhiu Dominguez, Animal Services arrived at the home of Ernesto Chavez at 705 Lakewood on a complaint of two abandoned and starving dogs. The officer found a very thin white-and-brown female pitbull that was starving. Her ribs and hip bones were protruding from her body, said officer Carolyn Cooley. The pitbull was later examined by a veterinarian, who found bone fragments inside her intestine through radiography. A seven-month-old brown boxer was also found starving at the home.

There was no water or food found at the home, said Cooley.

The officer seized both dogs after getting a warrant.

A hearing was held Wednesday where Chavez agreed to hand over his rights to the two dogs found at his home. Chavez was ordered to pay $866.

Both dogs are under the care of New Hope Alliance.