MIKAELA E. RIVAS facing charges after dead and neglected animals were found on a Delta County property

- Colorado, USA -

Acting on a tip of a concerned citizen, the Delta County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into animal cruelty and neglect at a property on Peach Valley Road in Delta.

As part of the investigation, on February 5, 2026, the sheriff’s office along with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Humane Colorado, and High Country Environmental Grazing executed a search warrant at the property in question.

According to the press release by the sheriff’s office, more than 150 animals, including livestock and companion animals, were found in unsanitary conditions without proper access to food and water.

Sadly, investigators also found multiple deceased animals on the property. Delta County Sheriff Mark Taylor tells me the deceased animals were cows, goats, and sheep.

All of the poor animals were removed from the property and relocated to receive immediate medical evaluations, veterinary care, and pain management

In connection with the case on the same day the search warrant was executed, investigators charged 40-year-old MIKAELA E. RIVAS with 141 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, and Sheriff Taylor said more charges could be announced later as the severity of the abuse is still being investigated.

Sheriff Taylor explained to me that RIVAS was issued a summons into court and has not been arrested yet. Therefore, I do not have her booking photo.

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Delta County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Pictures shared from the Delta County Sheriff's Office.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!