Animal cruelty probe in Clarkston leads to arrests, rescue of severely neglected animals

CLARKSTON — Two people were arrested Wednesday after the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, alongside Animal Control units, executed a search warrant in the Clarkston area after an investigation into suspected animal cruelty.

Miguel Lopez and Jewels Lynch-Lopez were both arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, the Sheriff's Office said in a press release Friday.

Lopez was in custody Friday on 11 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and also driving while suspended.

During the search of the property and associated outbuildings, deputies located numerous animals in severe states of neglect. The animals recovered included eight horses, two donkeys, one cow, eleven dogs, eight guinea hens, and one cat. Deputies also discovered the carcasses of one horse, one cow, and one dog.

All livestock found alive were severely emaciated. A local veterinarian conducted an initial on‑site medical assessment and determined that the animals were suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and severely neglected hooves.

Animal Control units from the Bozeman and Belgrade Police Departments assisted in the removal and transport of the animals. The Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol assisted with securing and moving extremely untrained and unruly horses, which had to be pursued on foot and caught by hand throughout sloped pastureland.

All recovered livestock have been transported to a safe location where they will receive appropriate nutrition and veterinary care, the release said. The State Brand Inspector has been notified.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked for the support of the numerous agencies, veterinarians, businesses, and the broader Clarkston community for assistance in the completion of this investigation and in establishing care for the affected animals.