On July 31, Santos Gordillo Torres was arrested in San Elizario, Texas after authorities rescued approximately 100 malnourished animals from two of his properties. Among them: 55 horses with visible ribs, spines, and hip bones; 19 pigs, including seven kept in a trailer where temperatures reached 170 degrees; horses with open, bleeding wounds; animals tied with two-foot ropes; and one horse so weak it collapsed and could not stand back up. The animals had no adequate food or water. Their living areas were full of feces.

Torres was charged with four counts of cruelty to livestock animals and released after posting bond.

This was not his first time. Torres was investigated for animal cruelty in November 2023, when he surrendered 15 sick and injured horses. He walked away able to own animals again. This time, investigators found 100 of them suffering on two properties, with no indication he had sought legitimate veterinary care or changed how he was treating them.

Four charges do not reflect the scale or severity of what happened here. The El Paso County District Attorney should pursue the most serious charges available under Texas law. The court should also permanently prohibit Torres from owning, housing, or caring for any animals. A pattern of two cruelty investigations, the conditions documented at these properties, and his own admission that he had no formal training in caring for livestock all point to the same conclusion: he should never be in a position to do this again.

Sixty-nine animals are now at Gracey's Rescue Ranch recovering. The fate of others remains pending. Sign to demand the DA and the court take every action available to hold Torres accountable and protect these animals for good.