More than 200 animals rescued from Delta County are now at shelters, many in Southern Colorado
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)- More than 200 animals had to be rescued from Delta County, and many of them are now at animal shelters here in Southern Colorado.
The Delta County Sheriff's Office charged 78-year-old Barbara Bowman with 258 counts of animal cruelty following the seizure.
Sarah Thompson with National Mill Dog Rescue in Peyton told KRDO13 the conditions these dogs were in.
"Some of them were matted so badly they couldn't urinate or defecate, because they were matted over all of their orifices, mouths were matted shut," said Thompson. "Several that have missing limbs that we think maybe might be from cut off of circulation or frostbite from exposure to the elements, where their legs just kind of fell off, due to lack of circulation."
The Teller County Regional Animal Shelter also helped in the rescue and took in several cats.
"We cannot help them unless we continue to get the support from our community through donations," said Kathleen Ruyak with TCRAS. "An individual cat can cost anywhere for two weeks, spend 3 to $400 in medication, food, exams, and then that's not including the cost of getting them spayed, microchip and vaccinated once they are ready to be adopted."
Although these cats are on the road to make a full recovery, some dogs weren't so lucky.
"Actually lost two that we had to humanely euthanize because they had massive tumors, in their genital urinary area where they couldn't defecate or urinate," said Thompson.
Statement from Delta County Sheriff, Mark Taylor “This case was initially investigated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. On June 19, 2025 Deputies responded to 18953 D rd in Delta Colorado for an agency assist request by the Department of ag, to check on the welfare of several animals. While on scene they discovered several hundred dogs, cats, and birds in various health conditions. The Delta County Sheriff's Office ultimately obtained a search warrant and seized 163 dogs and 95 cats in various stages of distress. The Department of Agriculture took custody of the animals. The Delta County Sheriff's Office charged Barbara Bowman (78) with 258 counts of animal cruelty 18-9-202 (1)(a).
The Delta County Sheriff's Office is thankful for the actions taken by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in identifying this disturbing animal cruelty case. And we are thankful that they were able to remove the animals and will provide the proper medical care that was needed.”
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