On April 8, 2026, Patrol deputies responded to a residence in the 12500 block of South Lauppe Road, in unincorporated El Paso County, for an animal welfare check.
The reporting party stated there was a dead horse on the property visible from the road, and they observed other horses on the property with no access to food or water.
Patrol deputies arrived on scene and began an initial assessment. They found one horse deceased on the property. Based on the circumstances, immediate intervention was needed to rescue the remaining horses.
Water was provided to the surviving horses, as there was none on the property.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office Specialized Patrol Unit (who are trained in equine animal welfare guidelines) arrived on scene and assumed the investigation.
On April 9, 2026, deputies returned to the property, owned by 52-year-old Robert Wilson, with a veterinarian, the brand inspector, and resources from a local horse rescue. A drone was deployed to survey the property, and a second deceased horse was located.
After examining the remaining horses, the veterinarian advised deputies both horses needed urgent medical attention. The two remaining horses were transported to a local veterinarian clinic.
Unfortunately, after arriving at a local veterinarian hospital, one of the horses had to be humanely euthanized due to the severity of their condition, and the other remains in critical care with signs of advanced malnourishment.
A necropsy will be conducted on the deceased three horses to determine their causes of death.
On May 13, 2026, after receiving results from the deceased animal’s necropsy reports, Robert Wilson was taken into custody and booked on the following charges:
-Cruelty to Animals (Aggravated) (3xs)
-Cruelty to Animals
He is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.