06/18/2026
Two Arrested Following Animal Cruelty Investigation
EL PASO, TX – On June 11, 2026, deputies assisted El Paso County Animal Welfare officers with an animal cruelty investigation at the 12100 block of Socorro Road.
During the investigation, authorities discovered a severely malnourished canine living in unsanitary conditions. An Animal Welfare officer assessed the animal using the Purina Body Condition Scale and determined the canine had a Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9, indicating extreme emaciation.
Investigators observed that the canine’s ribs, spine, and facial bones were clearly visible and that it lacked adequate food, water, and shelter. The animal was confined to a small enclosure containing dried f***s, trash, and empty food and water containers, and was exposed to extreme summer temperatures with little protection from the elements.
The owners were identified as 25-year-old Myalena Morales and 30-year-old Carlos Jasso. During the investigation, neither Morales nor Jasso was able to provide documentation to support claims that the canine had recently received veterinary care.
Based on the evidence gathered, investigators obtained arrest warrants for both individuals. The canine was voluntarily surrendered by the owners and taken into protective custody by El Paso County Animal Welfare.
On June 15, 2026, at approximately 6:58 p.m., Morales and Jasso were taken into custody without incident and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on charges of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals. Morales’ bond was set at $3,000, while Jasso’s bond was set at $5,000.
