Police Arrest Man Suspected of Extreme Animal Cruelty

The man caught on camera throwing rocks at two dogs in the backyard of his residence has been arrested and both canines were transported for evaluation at a local veterinary clinic.

Luis J. Cobos, 36, was arrested Wednesday evening and is charged with two felony counts of extreme cruelty to animals. Cobos was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center and is being held on a $2,500 surety bond.

About 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, Animal Control was initially dispatched to the report of suspected animal abuse on the 1300 block Mission Nueva Drive. Contractors, working nearby, witnessed and recorded video of Cobos throwing rocks at what appeared to be at least one dog in the backyard of the residence.

The contractors reported the suspected abuse to Animal Control. The video the contractors recorded was later posted to social media where it’s garnered thousands of views.

By Wednesday afternoon, Las Cruces police investigators obtained a warrant to search the property and take custody of the dogs. During the execution of the warrant, investigators found four dogs on the property. Detectives, with the assistance of Animal Control, transported two basset hounds, a male and a female, to a veterinary clinic for evaluation. One of the two dogs, an adult male basset hound, had visible signs of physical abuse and was provided treatment at the clinic.

All four dogs have since been transported to the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley where they will temporarily be housed until they can be reunited with their owner.

The dogs do not belong to Cobos and are not up for adoption. The dogs belong to an individual who resided with Cobos.

By all accounts, the owner of the dogs has taken great care of the pets and is distressed by the actions of Cobos.
Police encourage individuals who are passionate about pet welfare to refrain from approaching or retaliating against persons who reside at the home as no one else, but Cobos, was involved in the mistreatment of the dogs.

The Las Cruces Police Department is thankful for the contractors who reported this incident and recorded video of the criminal conduct.

Police and Animal Control encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects animal abuse to immediately call Central Dispatch at (575) 526-0795 or call 911 if it’s an emergency.