Man arrested for allegedly abandoning malnourished dog in desert

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 29-year-old man was arrested for allegedly abandoning a dog in the desert after investigators found video of the malnourished dog, according to the El Paso Police Department (EPPD).

Marco Trent Butler was arrested on Wednesday, July 10, on charges of animal cruelty. He was booked into the El Paso County Detention Center on $45,000 bail, the EPPD said.

On Tuesday, June 18, the El Paso Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit became aware of a video of a malnourished French bulldog, according to EPPD.

Investigators later identified Butler as the owner and determined that he had abandoned the dog in a desert area, EPDD said.

After the dog was found, he was taken to a veterinarian for a health exam, EPPD said.

According to EPPD, the dog was severely emaciated, malnourished and dehydrated. The doctor told investigators that the dog’s physical condition occurred two to three months ago.

According to the EPPD’s Instagram account, the bulldog was surrendered to MuttLove Dog Rescue and later named Francesca.