- New Mexico, USA -
Update: January 23, 2025
Before publishing the story, I emailed the Rio Rancho Police Department to inquire about the dog’s condition.
A few hours ago, I received an email from Captain Reedy that read: “The owner of the animal, Janella Lira, has only been able to be reached by phone one time, and subsequently disconnected with officers. A Criminal Summons has been issued for her to appear in court for the charges. Animal Control has conducted follow up to check the condition of the dog, however, the details of the follow-up are not known to me at this time. Unfortunately, I do not know the age or breed of the dog etc.”
I then emailed Ms. Cheryll Johns, Manager of Animal Resource Center and asked her why the dog had not been removed. I also asked her whether the dog had been seen by a veterinarian and further asked how the dog is doing. Ms. Johns advised me to submit a request for public records without answering my questions.
I have also emailed the Sandoval County District Attorney’s Office regarding the dog and I was told that the case will not go to their office and “the police officer will remain the prosecutor because it was charged as a misdemeanor. Had the crime raised to a felony it would come to our office. So, unfortunately, I do not have any information for you regarding this case.”
Court records show that LIRA’s arraignment is set for February 13, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
~ Original story:
Maybe JANELLE LIRA thought she was going to get away with animal abuse. Well, thanks to an amazing citizen, whom KOB identified as Cyndi, that’s not going to happen!
On the evening of January 4, 2025, surveillance cameras at Cyndi’s home in Rio Rancho captured a female driving a car and chasing a small white dog. At some point, the female pulls up at Cyndi’s curb, exits the vehicle, and as the dog quickly runs in her direction, she aggressively throws a bottle of water at the furvictim who inevitably collapses and rolls over.
The video goes on to show the female yelling something at the terrorized dog before grabbing him/her and putting him/her in the car.
Cyndi told KOB that the female drove off before she could question her.
Cyndy did not let the incident go and turned to neighbors on NextDoor in hopes of getting help identifying the female and locating her.
Cyndy explained to KOB: “Not to get everybody worked up, but just to find out where she lived, so that we can, one, check on the animal and, two, so I could have an address to file the charges.”
The following day, JANELLE LIRA was identified as the female seen in the video.
According to KOB, an officer with the Rio Rancho Police Department went to LIRA’s home and in her yard, he found a small white dog. The officer reported that the furvictim appeared to be wheezing in between barks.
LIRA faces one misdemeanor count of animal abuse.
I emailed the Sandoval County Detention Center to request her mugshot but I was told she was not in their system. I have also emailed the Rio Rancho Police Department because it’s not clear to me whether or not the furvictim was removed. At the time of writing, I have not received a response yet.
On a separate note, KOB reports that according to court documents, in 2024, LIRA was charged with battery for hitting her sister-in-law’s daughter in the face at an indoor jungle gym. The case was dismissed by prosecutors.
If you know who JANELLE LIRA is, please share her face. Thank you!
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
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