A man in Spring Valley was arrested on Monday for allegedly beating a dog to death, according to animal services.
Charles Dudley, 69, has been accused of beating a 2-year-old miniature pinscher dog in his backyard home on the 3500-block of Bentley Drive.
Animal Control officers were called to the scene yesterday night when a neighbor called saying he witnessed Dudley striking the dog. When officers arrived at the scene they found an 8-pound female miniature pinscher injured, according to animal services.
The dog was rushed to the emergency veterinary hospital, but succumbed to its injuries.
Dudley was arrested later than night on one count of felony animal cruelty. Animal services said Dudley admitted to the crime and allegedly hit the dog because it dug up a tree he had just planted.
“Basically this dog lost her life because she didn’t intuitively know the newly-planted tree was off limits,” said Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson in a statement. “She paid dearly for doing what dogs naturally do. We cannot thank the person enough who spoke up regarding this horrific case and we encourage everyone to report cases of animal abuse.”
Dudley faces a fine up to $20,000, time in state prison, or both, according to animal services.
