- Colorado, USA -
The Weld County Sheriff’s Office announced that a “complex animal cruelty/hoarding investigation that began on February 14, 2023,” has come to an end and resulted in the arrest of 55-years-old MARIE VIRGINIA ALVARADO (pictured).
The sheriff’s office said that ALVARADO was arrested on May 2, 2023, and booked into the Weld County Jail on 174 counts of cruelty to animals.
As a result of the investigation, a total of 174 dogs, all mixed small Chiweenie/terriers, were removed from ALVARADO’s property in Roggen. Due to ALVARADO’s home being uninhabitable, the Weld County Health Department was also notified.
In a press release of April 21, 2023, the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) said that its Agriculture’s Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) program partnered with Weld County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control to remove ninety-five dogs from ALVARADO’s home on April 18, 2023.
ALVARADO agreed to surrender the dogs and cooperated with the multiple agencies who assisted the WCSO with the investigation.
CDA also issued a cease and desist order to ALVARADO “for operating an animal shelter or sanctuary at her residence without a valid license.”
Upon relinquishment, the Larimer Humane Society took in thirty-five (35) dogs, while the remaining 60 were transported by the Colorado Humane Society and Dumb Friends League to the metro area for disbursement to Foothills Animal Shelter, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR), and MaxFund Animal Shelter .
Back in April, the Larimer Humane Society explained in a Facebook post that before taking in the thirty-five dogs, the shelter had already removed additional twenty-two (22) dogs from the same residence in mid-March. The nonprofit said: “Given the extent of the hoarding situation, it’s no surprise that these dogs are under socialized, confused and scared. Our staff has been working diligently to assess their medical conditions, evaluate their behavioral needs, and ensure their comfort.”
Ms. Amanda Myers, director of development and community relations for the Larimer Humane Society, told Reporter-Herald that out of the twenty-two dogs removed in March, one had to be euthanized. With regard to the thirty-five dogs removed in April, Ms. Myers said most of them were in good medical condition, although many experienced dental problems, and sadly, one of them had to be euthanized due to health issues.
I have emailed the Weld County Sheriff’s Office and requested additional information about the dogs and the condition they were found in. In an email, a spokesperson said that at this time the sheriff’s office is not realizing any more information about the case. I will email the Weld County District Attorney’s Office to see if I can find out more. If I receive a response, I will post an update.
Online court records show that ALVARADO’s arraignment is scheduled to take place on June 7, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
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ALVARADO's mugshot shared from the Weld County Sheriff's Office.
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