10/21/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2026
Arvada Police Department
Arvada,Colorado.
Arvada Man Sentenced to 4 Years Work Release and 2 Years Probation for a Total Sentence of 6 Years. After Pleading Guilty to Two Felony Animal Cruelty Charges. After Facing Up to 12 Years in Prison.
ARVADA, Colo. – An Arvada man has pleaded guilty to two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation involving the severe abuse and deaths of two puppies. Tyler Willbanks pleaded guilty to two Class 4 felonies involving Maverick, a young Siberian Husky, and Axel, a Boston Terrier puppy. Prosecutors sought a total of 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, with six years for each offense to be served consecutively.
The investigation revealed evidence of repeated violence against vulnerable animals. Maverick, approximately three to four months old, suffered extensive injuries, including a fractured jaw, broken teeth, a broken vertebra, and significant trauma to his chest and lungs. Maverick was euthanized in May 2025. Axel, approximately two months old, suffered severe head trauma and was euthanized in July 2025. A necropsy conducted by Colorado State University determined that Axel's cause of death was head trauma.
Investigators also uncovered a history involving other animals in Willbanks' care dating back to 2019. Veterinary records documented multiple cats and dogs suffering broken bones, head injuries, and other serious trauma. One Australian Shepherd puppy, Oakley, suffered repeated fractures over several months. Veterinary experts identified injury patterns consistent with nonaccidental trauma, raising serious concerns about an ongoing pattern of animal abuse.
As part of the plea agreement, Willbanks admitted guilt to the two-felony aggravated animal cruelty charges, avoiding a jury trial. At sentencing, the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office urged the court to impose a sentence reflecting the seriousness of the offenses and ongoing concerns for animal safety. Prosecutors cited the repeated and aggravated nature of the abuse, Willbanks’ continued acquisition of pets, and findings raised during psychological and animal cruelty evaluations, including one that identified Willbanks as presenting a high risk to animals.
The judge ultimately sentenced Willbanks to four years in jail with work release and an additional two years of probation. As part of his sentence, he is prohibited from owning or having access to any animal for the duration of the six-year sentence.
First Judicial DA's Office of Colorado
