On March 31, 2025, Deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of animal abuse in progress on the 500 block of Garfield Drive in Grand Junction. The reporting party witnessed the suspect, identified as Cody Wardell, throw his dog off of a raised porch, hold the dog down, and repeatedly strike it. The dog was then tied up under the porch.

When Deputies arrived on scene, they located a four month old puppy tied up in the reported location. Deputies found visible injuries to the puppy’s hind leg and abdomen. Upon speaking to Mr. Wardell, he admitted to striking the dog. Deputies also observed visible signs that he had recently struck an object or objects with his knuckles.

Due to Mr. Wardell’s admission, multiple witness reports, and observed injuries to the dog, he was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charge:

• Cruelty to animals by reckless or criminal negligence tortures, mutilates, or kills, Misdemeanor 1

Mr. Wardell relinquished the dog to Mesa County Animal Control on scene. Deputies then took the puppy to an emergency veterinarian to receive immediate care. The female puppy will need emergency surgery to save the leg and correct other internal injuries that are currently life threatening. Without this care, she is in danger of losing her life.

Grand Rivers Humane Society is now coordinating the puppy’s surgery and care. To donate towards her life saving surgery, please visit https://grandrivershumane.com/donate/ and:

• Click the Yellow Donate button on the left side of the Donation page
• Add “Puppy Azelea Surgery” in the “Write a note” box at the top of the checkout screen before completing the donation. This ensures funds are directed towards her care.