A Commerce City couple is facing multiple charges after authorities discovered three children and over 30 animals living in what officials described as “deplorable conditions.”
The investigation began following a disturbing 911 call reporting an unlicensed veterinary procedure performed on a dog, which resulted in the animal’s death. Commerce City Police spokesperson Joanna Small said officers executed a search warrant at the home, uncovering three children, 31 dogs, two cats, and two guinea pigs living in cramped and unsanitary conditions.
Many animals were confined to small cages inside the garage. Police described the inside of the house as “completely destroyed” and “trashed,” with animal feces scattered throughout the residential property.
Demetrio Urbina, 38, and Araceli Urbina, 32, were arrested and now face charges including child abuse, animal cruelty, and operating a pet facility without a license.
Neighbors shared longstanding concerns about the property, with some suspecting it was being used as a puppy mill. Over the past three years, police responded to roughly 10 animal-related complaints and issued 13 parking citations at the address.
The children have been placed into protective custody, and the animals were removed and are now receiving care in shelters.
Authorities continue investigating whether the unlicensed veterinary procedure was an isolated incident or part of a larger operation.
