Law enforcement seized roughly 50 severely neglected animals from a property in unincorporated El Paso County last week, according to a Monday news release from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

Clara Torres, 46, and Carlos J. Perez, 28, were identified as the owners of the animals and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, officials said.

On June 6, the Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Department of Agriculture were notified that several animals appeared to have been neglected on a property in the 17600 block of Boca Raton Heights, in the Midway Ranch area. When deputies looked into the complaint, they learned that the property had been the subject of several prior animal-related reports, the release stated.

After obtaining a search warrant for the property, personnel from the Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Agriculture, the brand inspector, and a veterinarian went to the property on June 16. When they arrived, they found dozens of animals living in “deplorable conditions,” with many lacking access to food or water. Several dead chickens were found on the property, according to the release.

After the veterinarian examined each living animal on the property, law enforcement seized about 50 animals that needed care, including pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, quail, one dog, and more than 20 chickens, officials said.

Any animals that didn’t need immediate attention were left at the property, with instructions on their proper care.

Torres and Morales were ordered to “meet all animal health and welfare standards” within 10 days. A follow-up inspection will take place at that time, and if the deficiencies remain, more animals will be seized, EPCSO said.

“Our partnerships with state and local agencies — including the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the brand inspector — are vital to protecting the well-being of both animals and our community,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal. “I appreciate the concerned citizens who brought this situation to our attention, and I commend our deputies for their swift and decisive response.”