Lopez, Lynch Arrested in Gallatin County Cruelty To Animals Case

Two people were arrested after a Gallatin County cruelty to animals investigation led deputies to a Clarkston-area property where animals were found in severe states of neglect. Deputies recovered eight horses, two donkeys, one cow, eleven dogs, eight guinea hens and one cat during the April 29, 2026 search.

Clarkston search warrant

Deputies from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control units executed the search warrant on April 29, 2026 in the Clarkston area. They searched the property and associated outbuildings and found numerous animals in severe states of neglect, along with the carcasses of one horse, one cow and one dog.

The sheriff’s office said the animals were in “severe states of neglect.” A veterinarian determined the living animals were suffering from malnutrition, dehydration and severely neglected hooves. All livestock found alive were severely emaciated.

Miguel Lopez and Jewels Lynch

Miguel Lopez and Jewels Lynch were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals. The sheriff’s office identified Lopez as a defendant.

Animal Control units from the Bozeman and Belgrade police departments helped remove and transport the animals. The sheriff’s office Mounted Patrol also helped secure and move the horses across sloped pastureland.

Livestock moved to safe location

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

The arrests leave the case in the hands of the court process and the animals in care, with the recorded evidence centered on the search, the carcasses and the veterinary findings from the property.