Shocking Rescue: 35 Animals and 3 Children Found in Crisis
Commerce City Police Act After Disturbing Discovery of Children and Animals
In a harrowing incident in Commerce City, Colorado, police uncovered three young children and 35 animals living in dire circumstances within a family residence. The shocking findings have led to multiple felony charges against both parents involved.
Investigation Triggered by Veterinary Incident
The investigation was initiated when 38-year-old Demetrio Urbina allegedly attempted an unlicensed surgical procedure on a dog, which tragically resulted in the animal’s death. This prompted law enforcement to secure a search warrant for the home located on East 113th Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers donned hazmat suits due to the appalling conditions they encountered inside.
Grim Findings Inside the Home
What authorities discovered was deeply unsettling: 31 dogs and puppies, two cats, and two guinea pigs were found living in filthy, hazardous conditions. Outside the dwelling, investigators discovered the body of a deceased dog discarded in a trash can, with one of its paws visibly protruding. “The conditions inside were among the worst we’ve encountered in Commerce City,” stated public information officer Joanna Small. “Seeing a paw sticking out of a trash can brought the investigators to tears.”
Children Exposed to the Same Neglect
Equally alarming was the situation of the three children, aged three to ten, who were also subjected to the same deplorable environment. Authorities verified that many of the dogs were either pregnant or nursing newborn puppies, intensifying the neglect. The property’s driveway was cluttered with trash, multiple abandoned vehicles were present, and the inside of the home was described as squalid.
Local residents reported long-standing concerns regarding the property, highlighting strong odors, heaps of garbage, and overt signs of neglect. One neighbor described it as “a junkyard,” expressing sorrow for both the children and animals trapped within.
Charges Filed Against Parents
Demetrio Urbina and his spouse, 32-year-old Araceli Urbina, now face serious charges including felony animal cruelty, child abuse, practicing a profession without a license, and operating an unlicensed pet facility.
Community Response and Support for Victims
The Commerce City Police Department is collaborating with Adams County Animal Control, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Department of Agriculture, Child Protective Services, and several animal shelters to ensure medical care, housing, and rehabilitation for the rescued animals. The children have been safely removed from the hazardous environment.
This distressing case highlights how neglect can escalate into cruelty, underscoring the vital role of community vigilance in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society, both human and animal.
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
