Pueblo County Woman Facing More Charges For Animal Abuse

A Pueblo County woman is back behind bars after authorities said they found the bodies of seven horses starved-to-death on her property in Boone.

Joe Stafford, the director of animal law enforcement, said she allegedly dragged three of the horses onto her neighbors property. He said investigators found the remaining four on her property.

Valarie Harris was already facing animal abuse charges from an incident in January.

Stafford said 31 dogs, 29 horses, several donkeys and mules, a cat and a llama were living in the worst conditions he’s ever seen.

They were taken to shelters in the region. But, during their investigation of her property, two horses and a donkey were found dead.

“What we encountered was really shocking and horrific conditions that the animals were being kept in,” said Stafford.

Valarie Christine Harris, 55, has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a class 6 felony. She faces additional counts from the most recent discovery.

She’s been convicted for animal abuse twice before. In 2007, authorities said that 19 horses were seized from her property and in 2009, two neglected dogs were found.

Stafford said he’ll be working with the district attorney’s office to get justice for the animals and stop Harris from doing this again. He said for every animal Harris is found guilty of abusing, she faces up to 18 months in jail and a $100,000 fine.

The animals are now getting the food and care they need at humane society facilities around Southern Colorado.

The humane society said it hopes all of the animals will eventually be up for adoption after they are rehabilitated. For now, it’s looking for donations to help with care and treatment. A spokesperson said the animals will cost $20,000 or more to care for in the next few months.

You can donate online by clicking here or mail donations to: Pueblo Animal Services, 4600 Eagleridge Place, Pueblo, CO 81008.