A 41-year-old Laton man has been arrested for child endangerment and animal cruelty after approximately 300 malnourished and not properly cared for animals were found on his property.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reports that 41-year-old Carl Joseph Mendes was arrested by deputies. Mendes has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on a misdemeanor charge of child neglect.

FCSO says Mendes will likely face charges of animal cruelty soon. FCSO reports that someone was passing by the area of West Mt. Whitney and Chestnut Avenues in Laton on Friday and noticed deceased animals at a family farm.

Deputies responded to the scene and contacted Carl Mendes who lives at the residence. FCSO says a search of the property found that around 300 animals were malnourished and not properly cared for. Dozens of other animals were found deceased in various stages of decomposition.

The animals found include pigs, goats, ducks, dogs, and chickens. Personnel with the Fresno Humane Animal Services responded to investigate. Their findings may lead to additional criminal charges against Mendes. Deputies say they learned that four teenagers were living at the home on the property.

FCSO reports that the house was unsanitary and unlivable with trash and feces scattered throughout. As a result, Mendes was arrested for child endangerment.