ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Livestock Board investigated a case of alleged extreme animal cruelty in 2025, involving a mule that died after being transported in a broken trailer.
The incident occurred in 2024, with prosecution expected to continue this year. Security footage from a Road Forks gas station showed the mule’s legs hanging from a trailer. Manuel Chavira, the suspect, allegedly drove 15 miles home after noticing the broken trailer floor, leading to the mule’s death.
“I won’t lie to you…I cried when I saw it! I was like god…how could you do that?” said Belinda Garland, executive director of the New Mexico Livestock Board.
Chavira explained to investigators that he intended to fix the trailer but continued driving home. Prosecutors charged him with extreme animal cruelty, marking the board’s only felony case in 2025.
“This type of cruelty should not be happening in our state,” Garland said, noting the need for stronger animal cruelty laws.
Statement from 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
“The charges in this case are supported by the witnesses account of Mr. Chavira’s actions with disregard to the case facts:
- Failing to ensure the trailer was in a safe condition before transport (missing floorboards).
- Failing to properly secure the animal or check on it for the first 15 miles despite the unsafe condition.
- The most significant evidence of carelessness (and malicious intent for Count 1) by continuing to drive after becoming aware of the animal’s life-threatening situation.
Mr. Chavira’s overall lack of attention, the maliciousness or intent of torturing this animal by continuing to drive after becoming aware of the animal’s life-threatening situation is unacceptable, my office and the New Mexico Livestock Board will ensure that justice is served.”
