On January 30, 19 charges of animal cruelty were filed against 74-year-old Deborah Battaglino in connection with a welfare check and search warrant executed last week on a Cedar Crest home by the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation and search of the residence found numerous dangerous health conditions and several dead animals, leading to the condemnation of the property and the charges filed against Battaglino. Animal remains found during the investigation were too decomposed to determine a cause of death, making it difficult for prosecutors to prove intent. Battaglino is currently facing no felony charges.
On January 3, detectives initiated the investigation following a welfare check conducted by social workers and a detective. The check revealed conditions for an elderly resident and numerous animals on the property. The investigation was spearheaded by the BCSO’s Special Victims Unit, C.A.S.T, and the Animal Cruelty Task Force.
On January 10 a search warrant was executed, and BCSO said, “The extreme neglect posed significant risks to both the elderly occupant and the animals, with many deceased animals found…The BCSO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force, alongside Bernalillo County Animal Care Services and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, was crucial in ensuring the welfare of the surviving animals and in the condemnation of the property by Bernalillo Planning and Zoning due to its dangerous conditions.”
In addition to the animal cruelty charges, the Board of County Commissioners filed a civil case against Battaglino on Jan. 25 for refusing to surrender the animals. According the the filing, there were three dogs and one cat seized by Bernalillo County on or about January 10 and other several animals taken as well.
At this time no charges of elder neglect have been filed against Battaglino. Each animal cruelty charge is a misdemeanor.
Leave a comment