Los Lunas, NM — February 2026

For nearly two decades, Animals’ Angels has investigated and exposed the operations of notorious New Mexico kill buyer Dennis Chavez. From our first investigation in 2007 to our most recent field work, we have documented suffering horses, dangerous transport practices, and a slaughter pipeline stretching far beyond New Mexico.

That sustained pressure has made a measurable difference. At the height of his operation, Chavez shipped well over 10,000 horses per year to slaughter in Mexico. Today, after years of relentless investigations, complaints to authorities, and public accountability, that number has dropped by approximately 80% — saving thousands of horses’ lives every single year.

But this progress has come at a cost.

As Animals’ Angels has tightened the spotlight on Chavez, he has stepped up secrecy and security. Access to his feedlot has been increasingly restricted. Surveillance has expanded. Armed guards now patrol the property. Even aerial documentation has been actively obstructed.

During a recent return to Chavez’s operation, our investigators were unable to fly a drone or get close to the pen area. Yet from a remote desert ridgeline, they made a grim discovery: a massive bone yard — potentially hundreds of deceased horses, the remains of animals who never even made it onto the slaughter truck to Mexico.

This is an active, ongoing investigation. While we cannot yet share more details, Chavez’s history matters — because Animals’ Angels has been here before, and our work has already proven that exposure saves lives.

What We’ve Proven About Dennis Chavez

Animals’ Angels’ major investigations overview:

2023 — Secrecy increases as investigations continue

Notorious Kill Buyer Dennis Chavez Under Investigation (1/16/23)

Animals’ Angels documented serious transport violations involving horses leaving the feedlot operated by Dennis Chavez, prompting an official USDA investigation.

After years of exposure, Chavez has dramatically increased security, surveillance, and access restrictions — a clear sign that scrutiny is working. Animals’ Angels also reported that sustained pressure has reduced his slaughter business by approximately 80%, saving thousands of horses each year.

2019 — Foals separated and shipped into the kill pipeline

New Mexico Kill Buyer Dennis Chavez Reaches New Low (6/4/19)

Animals’ Angels exposed evidence that Chavez separated very young foals from their mothers, sent the mares to slaughter, and shipped the foals across the U.S.

183 foals were transported to Earnie Schenker in Kansas, revealing how Chavez’s pipeline extends far beyond New Mexico. Many foals arrived sick, emaciated, or died soon after.

2012–2013 — Animals’ Angels investigation leads to criminal charges

Dennis Chavez Feedlot, Los Lunas, NM (8/21/15)

Following a 2012 Animals’ Angels investigation documenting dying and emaciated horses, Chavez was charged with 12 criminal counts, including animal cruelty.

Though the case ended in a weak plea deal, it marked the first and only successful prosecution tied to Chavez — and set the stage for ongoing oversight.

2007 — The first warning

Chavez Slaughter Horse Auction, NM (8/31/07)

Animals’ Angels’ first investigation documented hundreds of horses gathered for shipment to Mexico, many in poor condition, and uncovered a disarticulated foal’s leg on the property.

FOIA records showed Chavez was already shipping hundreds of horses per month to slaughter — confirming a large-scale pipeline that Animals’ Angels has been exposing ever since.