During an El Paso County traffic stop, authorities discovered 72 exotic animals, following which a 48-year-old woman was arrested. El Paso County Sheriff’s deputies conducted the traffic stop around 7:30 pm on October 22 along Interstate 10 East near mile marker 48.
Deputies found 56 tortoises, two kinkajous, 11 hedgehogs, two guinea pigs, and one caracal, an exotic wild cat during the investigation . Pinnock was arrested and charged with five counts of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, and was subsequently booked into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility with a total bond of $10,000. “Further investigation revealed that Pinnock had traveled through multiple states while transporting the animals. The sheriff revealed that all the animals were voluntarily surrendered and safely transported to facilities equipped to provide the care they need.
“Animal cruelty is a serious offense that has no place in our community,” said Sheriff Oscar Ugarte. They then contacted the driver of a black Chrysler Pacifica, identified as Kelli Pinnock. Deputies also identified licensing violations and restrictions associated with a previous animal cruelty arrest in Florida. Federal wildlife authorities were contacted to determine whether additional violations had occurred,” the post added. The El Paso County Animal Welfare Unit assisted them. “Animals depend on us for their safety and well-being, and we have a responsibility to protect them. Our office will continue to investigate acts of cruelty and hold those responsible accountable.”
