New Mexico mother accused of boiling puppies to punishment children

New Mexico couple accused of abusing children and extreme animal cruelty

Martha and Timothy Crouch of Aztec, N.M. (San Juan County Sheriff's Office via AP)

A mother is accused of beating and torturing her children after forcing them to watch her kill their pets as a punishment.

A New Mexico couple was arrested on Tuesday after the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) launched an investigation following a report that the children were not getting adequate education.

According to KOB-TV, court documents state that Martha and Timothy Couch would punish the children by killing their pets.

One teen girl told police, "Martha took the puppies and put them into a giant pot and boiled them" while they watched.

Another child claimed he was "beaten, shot, stabbed and run over by his parents and even had b-b's still inside his arm."

The kids allegedly ate only one meal a day.

The couple's oldest son, Timothy Crouch, who is 31-year-old, was also arrested for pointing a gun at three of his brothers. The couple has a total of 15 children, most of them are adults.

He denies the allegations made against his parents. “My family are wonderful people. My mom and dad are some of the best people you'll meet”, he told KOB.

Martha Crouch has been charged with child abuse and extreme cruelty to animals. Timothy Crouch is facing an obstruction charge. They are due to appear in court on Wednesday.