42 dogs seized, woman facing animal cruelty charges

The Colorado Humane Society says 42 dogs that were seized from a property in the San Luis Valley were severely malnourished.

The humane society along with the SPCA and the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office served a warrant on the property on January 15, 2014.

The shepherd mix dogs were taken to the Dumb Friends League in Denver, the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs, and Pueblo Animal Services in Pueblo.

The Colorado Humane Society identified the dogs’ owner as Rhonda Deffley and says Deffley is facing charges for animal cruelty and neglect.

“The dogs were severely malnourished and are now getting the care they need,” said Duane Adams, director for the Colorado Humane Society. “It will take time and money to get these dogs into responsible homes, and the collaborative spirit of all the parties involved will only help speed up this process.”

For more information about the Colorado Humane Society, including the status of the dogs seized, you can contact Amie Cavarra at (303) 358-5452, or Chris Gallegos at (303) 419-1162.