SANTOS GORDILLO TORRES arrested and approximately a hundred livestock animals removed from two properties in El Paso County

- Texas, USA -

Deputies with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office arrested 61-year-old SANTOS GORDILLO TORRES (pictured).

On July 26, 2026, deputies were dispatched to the 13500 block of Chicken Ranch Road in San Elizario to assist the El Paso County Animal Welfare Unit with an animal cruelty investigation.

Authorities found several malnourished animals who were being kept in unsanitary conditions. The sheriff’s office said the animals were showing signs of neglect with many of them in need of medical treatment. Additionally, the poor animals lacked access to food and water.

As the investigation progressed, authorities discovered more neglected animals at a second neighboring property.

The affidavit stated that two chickens, two donkeys, fifty-five horses, three peacocks, nineteen pigs, four roosters, and twelve sheep displayed signs of abuse, neglect, and malnutrition.

According to the affidavit the horses’ ribs, spine, and hips were visible, and many of them had overgrown hooves.

Authorities spoke with GORDILLO TORRES, the property owner, and after advising that some of the horses and pigs needed urgent veterinary attention, he voluntarily surrendered thirteen horses and six pigs.

The following day, on July 27, 2026, authorities revisited the properties to follow up on the situation and GORDILLO TORRES claimed that he had made efforts to improve the horses' condition by consulting a veterinarian and replacing their feed with a different type.

However, according to investigators, GORDILLO TORRES was unable to provide any verifiable information regarding the veterinarian, including the veterinarian's identity, contact details, or the scheduled date and time of the purported appointment.

Moreover, during this follow up visit, investigators identified further issues. Investigators documented that many pigs, with overgrown nails, were confined in temperatures reaching 120 degrees. They further reported that one horse collapsed on his/her side and struggled to stand up. According to the investigators, some horses had bleeding wounds, and some were tied to a fence with ropes about two feet long.

On July 30, 2026, detectives obtained four warrants for the arrest of SANTOS GORDILLO TORRES and he was taken into custody the following day. GORDILLO TORRES was booked into the El Paso County Jail and bond was set at $60,000, $15,000 for each count.

As stated in the press release by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the animals were taken to Gracey’s Rescue Ranch for care.

The Sheriff's Office said the case is still under investigation and anticipates additional criminal charges.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office provided to Voice For Us. 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.

Mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

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