El Paso Man Arrested for Neglecting Nearly 100 Farm Animals

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office investigators responded to a tip on July 26 at a property on Chicken Ranch Road and, with the county Animal Welfare Unit, found severe neglect of roughly 100 farm animals across two sites. The animals – including horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, chickens, roosters and peacocks – showed signs of malnutrition, dehydration and untreated disease.

The owner, 61‑year‑old Santos Gordillo Torres, voluntarily surrendered the animals but was later arrested on four counts of animal cruelty, each carrying a $15,000 bail (total $60,000). He was detained on July 31 at the El Paso County jail. A judge placed 69 of the rescued animals under the care of Gracey’s Rescue Ranch for veterinary treatment, while the disposition of the remaining animals remains pending. The investigation continues, with authorities indicating possible additional charges.