El Paso Woman Charged with Cruelty After Dog Found with Severe Infected Wound
EL PASO, TX – An anonymous tip regarding a neglected animal has led to the arrest of an El Paso woman. Leticia Portillo, 50, was taken into custody on January 8, 2026, following a welfare check that uncovered a dog suffering from extreme neglect and untreated medical issues.
The investigation began at a residence in the 200 block of Farnborough, in the far east portion of the county, where El Paso County Animal Welfare officers responded to a report of a dog in distress.
Prolonged Neglect and Infection
Upon arrival, officers were granted permission by Portillo to examine the animal. The findings were described by authorities as disturbing:
- Medical Condition: The dog had a large, open wound on its back that showed “clear signs of infection” and had been left untreated for an extended period.
- Living Conditions: The injured animal was being kept in a small dog crate, which officers noted contributed to the evidence of prolonged neglect.
Arrest and Legal Action
Following the initial visit, Animal Welfare officers issued a violation notice and instructed Portillo to seek immediate veterinary care. However, after follow-up assessments were conducted to ensure the animal’s safety, detectives with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant for Portillo’s arrest.
Portillo has been charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals. She was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a bond set at $3,000.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that animal abuse is treated as a serious crime within the community.
“Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our community,” said Sheriff Oscar Ugarte. “We take these cases seriously and will continue working to ensure animals are protected and those responsible for neglect or abuse are held accountable.”
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to continue reporting suspected cases of abuse or neglect to the Animal Welfare Department or via local law enforcement to help protect vulnerable pets.
