On Friday, November 21, 2017, Central California SPCA Humane Officers responded to a call regarding animal cruelty placed by a local Fresno resident. The reporting party stated that his roommate was currently kicking and hanging his own dog, and also relayed that similar acts of violent abuse had taken place in the past.
Our Humane Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene in the Fresno Street and Ashlan Avenue area. The suspect, Mr. Mark Anthony Estrada, claimed there was no dog on the property. The food and water dishes, and collapsible dog crate showed otherwise. Estrada’s brother confirmed there was a dog on the property in the backyard.
We requested and received assistance from the Fresno Police Department to conduct a search of the backyard. There, they found a plastic Walmart bag that had been tied shut with a small, white deceased female Maltese inside. Estrada was arrested on the spot for violating California Penal Code 597(a), Malicious Intent to Harm an Animal, and was transported to the Fresno County Jail by Fresno Police Officers.
An official necropsy report revealed the cause of the young Maltese’s death was due to severe cranial damage, and internal bleeding within the brain and throughout the body. All eight ribs were also fractured.
Justice was brought to the young Maltese today, Monday, June 11, 2018, as Mr. Mark Anthony Estrada was convicted of a felony for violating California Penal Code 597(a). He will serve two years in local prison, 50/50 split (one year in prison, one year under supervision). He also must follow orders of Mandatory Ownership Probation 597.9(b), and is not allowed to own animals for 10 years.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of the District Attorney’s office with animal cruelty cases. We also appreciate the support, professionalism, and helping hand of the Fresno Police Department for their assistance in this case.
To help support the CCSPCA and its efforts to prosecute offenders and help abused, neglected, homeless animals, please consider making a donation, becoming a foster parent, or volunteering your time and talent. Donations can be mailed to CCSPCA, 103 S. Hughes Ave. Fresno, CA 93706, through ccspca.com, or in person.
If you suspect animal cruelty, please call (559) 233-7722 or visit Central California SPCA.