On March 23rd, 2016, a Central California SPCA Animal Control Officer responded to a complaint placed by a concerned citizen regarding an emaciated dog. The reporting party stated a white female bulldog mix was stumbling and her bones were visible. Upon arriving to the property, the bulldog, “Mamas,” as well as a male boxer/pit bull mix, “Dueely,” were found in the front yard. Mamas was found in the condition described by the reporting party and was covered in ticks. A pinch test also revealed she was partially dehydrated. Though Dueely’s overall body condition was in the healthy range, he also had a moderate tick infestation.
The owner of the dogs, Ms. Sonia Trujillo, stated that she knew Mamas had been losing weight since December 2015, but she had not sought veterinary care due to financial constraints. She was given the option to relinquish ownership or allow seizure of Mamas and Dueely, and immediately signed over the dogs to the CCSPCA.
Mamas and Dueely were transported back to the CCSPCA and were examined by our veterinarian. Aside from the tick infestation, Dueely was in good health. He was given flea/tick treatment and was adopted by his forever family in June 2016.
However, Mamas’ outcome was not as positive. It was found that her weight loss resulted from lack of proper nutrition. Her blood also tested positive for anemia caused by the ticks. Though she gained 11 lbs. in three months – nearly 25% of her weight when she came into our care – she was euthanized in June 2016 because her hind legs were too weak for her to live a full and healthy life.
On Thursday, September 20th, 2018, Sonia Trujillo pled no contest for violating Penal Code 597.1, causing unnecessary and preventable suffering to her dogs, especially for Mamas. She will be sentenced on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of the District Attorney’s office with animal cruelty cases like this one and appreciate their collaboration, professionalism, and dedication to helping bring justice to animals.
The work of our Humane Officers and their investigations is funded entirely by donations. No funds are received by any other organization or entity, including the city of Fresno. To help support the CCSPCA and our 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.
