safety
Severely underweight pug owner wished dog would 'just pass away already', owner arrested
By Jocelyn Flores at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- An animal welfare check of a "severely underweight" pug in Fabens led to the arrest of a 26-year-old woman, according to a news release by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Kimberly America Frescas was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and booked into the E...
Key takeaway Kimberly America Frescas was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility [...
Why this matters in The El Paso
The arrest of Kimberly America Frescas in Fabens for cruelty to non-livestock animals brings attention to the need for vigilant animal welfare checks in El Paso County. The fact that Frescas wished for her severely underweight pug to "just pass away already" suggests a disturbing lack of concern for the animal's well-being. This case may prompt local animal welfare organizations to increase outreach and education efforts in rural areas like Fabens, where resources may be limited. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office's swift action in responding to the animal welfare check and making an arrest demonstrates the county's commitment to holding animal owners accountable for their pets' care. As the case against Frescas moves forward, it will be worth watching how the county's animal welfare services respond to similar cases and whether additional support is provided to prevent animal neglect in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- An animal welfare check of a "severely underweight" pug in Fabens led to the arrest of a 26-year-old woman, according to a news release by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Kimberly America Frescas was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and booked into the E...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jocelyn Flores at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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