SOLEDAD — A case of animal cruelty occurred in Soledad on San Benito Street on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 27.
The Soledad Animal Control Officer was in the area investigating a call when the neighbor called in and reported the dogs from their next door neighbor bit one of their dogs.
The officer looked over the fence and saw several dogs that looked injured and needed medical intervention.
The Animal Control Officer (ACO) tried to make contact with the dog owners by walking to the residence. According to Deputy Chief Damon Wasson, the ACO smelled a foul odor when he approached the residence.
The dog owner opened the door and the smell of the residence was overwhelming.
“The ACO recognized that several of the animals needed medical attention, noticed the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions inside the residence and authored a search warrant to search and inspect the residence to seize any animal in need of medical attention,” said Wasson. “The ACO and several SPCA employees seized 20 adult dogs, eight puppies, and a cat, all in need of medical attention.”
The dogs had cuts, scratches, bite marks and other injuries. The animals are in the custody and care of SPCA.
Wasson said that it was reported to the Soledad Police Department that several of the dogs had parvo and would likely be euthanized. Several others had to undergo treatment, including surgery for their wounds.
The ACO is requesting at least one felony charge of animal cruelty and several misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty related crimes.
