Three young dogs were abandoned in the forest above Mancos, and two were shot, according to Denkai Animal Sanctuary. The Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office confirmed one dog was found dead when officers arrived.
About 6:30 a.m. Sept. 2, multiple people reported three dogs abandoned near Jersey Jim Lookout Tower, north of Transfer Campground on U.S. Forest Service Road 561 in the San Juan National Forest.
Deputy Michael Marston Jr. found one dog had been shot and killed by an unknown person.
The suspects identified by the Sheriff’s Office did not shoot the dogs, according to Sheriff Steve Nowlin.
Nowlin told The Journal that Jaqueline Jeffers, 35, and Andrew Dunegan, 42, both from Mancos face three counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Dunegan also faces a count of conspiracy.
Denkai Animal Sanctuary said on Facebook that a pregnant dog was found dead alongside a blue heeler and a red heeler. One survivor has a bullet lodged in his body that could not be removed.
Denkai is caring for the surviving dogs and requesting donations for their medical care.
Donations can be made via Venmo (@Denkai-AnimalSanctuary) or PayPal (info@denkaisanctuary.org). Drake, the blue heeler, is available for adoption. Applications are at www.denkaisanctuary.org.
