Animal control violations have been filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court following a reported dog attack in the Blanco area that left one dog dead, according to court records.
The case was filed in Aztec Magistrate Court after a San Juan County Sheriff’s Office deputy investigated an animal complaint in late February. Court documents state the responding deputy issued two citations under the county’s animal control ordinance after reviewing the scene and speaking with individuals involved.
Deputy Responds to Animal Complaint
According to a statement of probable cause filed in the case, a San Juan County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched Feb. 26, 2026, to the Blanco area in reference to an animal complaint.
The deputy wrote in court records that he arrived in the area in the afternoon and made contact with individuals associated with nearby residences. One person reported that a neighboring dog had killed their dog.
Before entering the residence, the reporting individual told the deputy that the other dog was responsible for the fatal attack, according to the statement of probable cause.
Scene Evidence Documented
The deputy reported observing evidence around the property that appeared consistent with a dog fight.
According to court documents, investigators observed a dog collar on the ground and multiple scuff marks and paw prints in the dirt in the area where the confrontation appeared to have started.
The deputy wrote that the disturbance in the dirt extended toward the front porch of the residence, where the deceased dog was located.
Court records state the deputy also observed dirt, debris and blood around the dogs’ fur as well as blood spatter near the porch. A tether was also observed near the deceased animal.
The reporting party told investigators the other dog had previously been described as aggressive and had been seen running loose in the area on multiple occasions, according to the probable cause statement.
Dog Located After Search
Investigators later located the other dog near Blanco Elementary School, according to the deputy’s report.
Court records state the dog appeared injured and was observed drooling, stumbling and moving through brush. The deputy noted the dog appeared to have sustained injuries during the reported fight.
The deputy reported asking the dog’s owner about vaccination status during the investigation. According to the statement of probable cause, the owner told investigators the dog had been vaccinated but did not have proof of vaccination available during the investigation.
The owner also told investigators the dog had been kept inside a camper and suggested someone may have opened the camper door while the owner was away, allowing the dog to get out, according to court records.
Citations Issued Under County Ordinance
Based on the investigation, the deputy issued two citations under San Juan County’s Animal Control Ordinance, according to the statement of probable cause.
The citations were issued for violations related to animals running at large and failure to provide proof of rabies vaccination, court records state.
The court filing indicates both alleged violations fall under San Juan County Ordinance 10, which governs animal control requirements within the county.
Charges Filed
The following violations were listed in court records:
• Animals Running at Large — San Juan County Ordinance 10
• Proof of Rabies Vaccination Required — San Juan County Ordinance 10
Case Status
The case has been filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court in Aztec.
According to court documents, each citation carries a listed fine of $100 under the ordinance. Court records indicate the defendant may resolve the case by entering a plea and paying the listed fine or by requesting a hearing before a judge.
A signed appearance, plea and waiver form associated with the case indicates the document must be returned to the court by March 11, 2026.
Source
Information in this article was derived from a statement of probable cause and court filings submitted in San Juan County Magistrate Court in Aztec.
The documents were prepared by a deputy with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation into the reported animal complaint.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations. No determination of guilt has been made.