- New Mexico, USA -
On November 1, 2023, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and Bernalillo County Animal Care Services executed a search warrant at a property in the East Mountains resulting in fifty-four (54) dogs being removed, “with the expectation of approximately ten more to follow”, reports Tiffany Chamblee, Bernalillo County Animal Care Services manager.
The owner of the now condemned property, 70-years-old DOUGLAS REAMES (pictured), has been arrested and charged with felony extreme cruelty to animals.
The sheriff’s office said in a media release this is the result of a series of investigations into suspected animal cruelty. In the fall of 2022, the sheriff’s office and Bernalillo County Animal Care Services began collaborative efforts with REAMES to manage the number of dogs at his property. According to the sheriff’s office, at first, there was cooperation but over time the number of dogs fluctuated dramatically to the extent that by July 2023, the situation escalated into a community concern.
REAMES’ non-compliance resulted in breaches of the Bernalillo County Animal Care Ordinance leading to the execution of the warrant.
Investigators found multiple dogs kennels outside with no food, water, or insulation. The kennels were filled with trash and feces. Inside the property, the situation was just as bad. Investigators found human and animal feces among clutter and trash.
Sadly, officials also discovered animal bones and decomposing dog remains.
Detective Kevin Carhart, with the Bernalillo County Animal Cruelty Task Force, in an interview with KOB 4 said: “It seems apparent that it was an illegal dog breeding operation and it seemed to be a source of income for the suspect.”
Ms. Chamblee said that some of the dogs are “as young as two days and most are feral (unsocialized), ill, and/or have tested positive for parvovirus and coccidia.” She explained that “the socialized and healthy-appearing dogs are being quarantined due to their exposure to the parvovirus. Following a [ten-day] quarantine period, dogs cleared by the Animal Care Services medical team will eventually be made available for adoption.”
Here’s another devastating aspect of the case. As a result of this seizure, Animal Care Services is now over-capacity and has built special outdoor kennels to house a lot of the rescued Voiceless Victims.
Your help is needed. If you can help provide foster homes for the healthy furvictims, please, click here to sign up to become an animal foster companion. THANK YOU!
REAMES made a court appearance on November 2, 2023, and judge Linda S. Rogers released him on the condition he cannot have any animals.
Court records show REAMES is expected back in court on November 29, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. before judge Claire A. McDaniel.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
REAMES’ mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.
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