Cameron County sheriff reacts to Harlingen animal cruelty investigation
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A Harlingen man is facing animal cruelty charges after deputies found his German shepherd with facial burns, no food and dirty water, according to the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office.
The case involves 66-year-old Luis Aguilar of Harlingen. Deputies responded to the 28000 block of Baker Potts Road on May 21 after someone reported two dogs and a horse in poor condition at the property.
Luis Aguilar and Tasha. Photo credit: Cameron County Sheriff's Office.
"The caller had said that she hadn't seen anybody around there for five days, and according to one of the investigators, the water that was there for the animals to drink, it was totally green," Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño said.
Deputies removed both dogs and took them to Country Vet Clinic in Harlingen for treatment. A veterinarian there treated Tasha, the larger German shepherd mix.
"She had lesions on her face, and it looked as though it was at least a second-degree burn, meaning that the hair on it had been singed off if it was that," veterinarian John G. Montalbano said.
Tasha received IV fluids for dehydration and antibiotics for her injuries. Experts say the healing process could take months.
Veterinarians say pet owners should see a professional if their pets have burns, skin conditions, or other health issues. They say at-home remedies can make conditions worse.
"A lot of people with dogs that come in with bad skin conditions, a lot of people still believe that spent motor oil is the way to go," Montalbano said.
Tasha is now recovering at the Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center, also known as BARCC. She is looking for a new home. Aguilar is out on bond.
Sheriff Treviño said many animal neglect cases go unreported and encouraged people to speak up.
"The pet does not select the owner; the owners are the ones that select the pets," Treviño said. "If you can't afford to take care of an animal for whatever reason financially, take them somewhere."
Aguilar is currently out on bond.
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