LAS VEGAS, NM — Early in February, Las Vegas animal control officers conducted a cursory examination of a canine corpse, which they believed to be a dog, found in a clear plastic bag next to a trash receptacle behind a Grand Avenue building in Las Vegas. Results of a necropsy completed recently show that the animal was a coyote.

The coyote had been skinned, and his ears, tail and genitals had been removed, which made precise identification impossible before the necropsy. His achilles tendons had been severed and his jaw broken. The necropsy showed the animal had also been shot.

The reason for the coyote’s remains being disposed of behind a building owned by a local animal advocate is uncertain.
"There has been a rash of animal cruelty around the state," states Heather Ferguson, Legislative Director of Animal Protection of New Mexico (APNM). "Just recently, in addition to the coyote who was shot, mutilated and dumped, APNM received details on a dog who was shot to death, and a puppy whose ears were cut off—all in northern New Mexico. Law enforcement throughout the state is vigorously pursuing cases involving animal cruelty."

The survivor of the ear mutilations is a female heeler/cattle dog mix, approximately six months old, nicknamed Squeaky by her rescuers. The puppy was found in a ditch in the Ocate area of Mora County. APNM is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of whomever is responsible for the mutilations, and for other acts of cruelty.

Those who may have information on acts of extreme cruelty to animals are asked to call ACT on its toll-free hotline: 1-888-260-2178. If callers prefer to remain anonymous, they may do so.