FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office
Date: May 1, 2026

Animal Cruelty Investigation Leads to Arrests and Rescue of Severely Neglected Animals

On April 29, 2026, deputies from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, alongside Animal Control units, executed a search warrant in the Clarkston area following an investigation into suspected animal cruelty.

During the search of the property and associated outbuildings, deputies located numerous animals in severe states of neglect. The animals recovered included eight horses, two donkeys, one cow, eleven dogs, eight guinea hens, and one cat. Deputies also discovered the carcasses of one horse, one cow, and one dog.

All livestock found alive were severely emaciated. A local veterinarian conducted an initial on‑site medical assessment and determined that the animals were suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and severely neglected hooves.

Animal Control units from the Bozeman and Belgrade Police Departments assisted in the removal and transport of the animals. The Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol assisted with securing and moving the extremely untrained and unruly horses, which had to be pursued on foot and caught by hand throughout sloped pastureland.

All recovered livestock have been transported to a safe location where they will receive appropriate nutrition and veterinary care. The State Brand Inspector has been notified.

Miguel Lopez and Jewels Lynch were both arrested and charged with cruelty to animals.

The Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the support of numerous agencies, veterinarians, businesses, and the broader Clarkston community for their assistance in the completion of this investigation and in establishing care for the affected animals.