Humane society gives update on animal cruelty cases
The Humane Society of Yuma has been busy investigating and bringing animal cruelty cases to court.
The Humane Society of Yuma has provided a news release with updates on recent cases to The Sun. The following is a summary of those cases.
Anneliza Marie Granillo went before Yuma County Superior Court last FridayMay 4 in an effort to reduce her sentence and restitution.
"The judge heard both parties, and we feel really great with how the trial went," said Annette Lagunas, Humane Society of Yuma director of operations.
Lagunas said Granillo's sentencing was continued until next Friday.
Granillo was arrested Feb. 1 on two Class 6 felony counts for cruel mistreatment, neglect and abandonment of an animal for allegedly not providing proper care and nutrition for her dog.
She pleaded guilty to one of the charges, was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay restitution.
Mary Savage, formerly of 3077 S. 47th Ave. in Barkley Ranch, will appear before the Yuma Municipal Court to state her plea on May 22.
Three dogs, two cats and dead mice were confiscated from her residence after neighbors noticed no one had been home in days and called the humane society.
After days of trying to contact the owner, the humane society and Yuma Police Department received a search warrant to remove the animals. They were found locked in various rooms and in the backyard with no food or water.
Another cruelty case will be heard in court on May 25. The accused residents could be facing eight counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
On Feb. 21, the humane society responded to a call to assist YPD in gathering dogs that were chasing a woman down 1st Street. The woman escaped injury, and the officer tried to capture the dogs.
The dogs ran back to their home, where the officer noticed a strong odor coming from the residence. When the animal control officer arrived, due to the amount of feces and trash in the home and the lack of food or water for the dogs, it was decided that the animals were being neglected.
The animals were taken to the humane society, and the owners later signed over the eight dogs, which have been placed in foster homes or adopted.
The residents' names cannot be released because they have not been formally charged, according to Annette Lagunas, humane society director of operations.
On March 9, the Humane Society responded to a deceased animal call at a residence in Dateland. The animal control officer found four deceased dogs and 22 dogs and puppies living in unsanitary conditions with no food or water. The animals were taken to the humane society, and two had to be euthanized after testing positive for parvo, a highly contagious virus that attacks the lining of the digestive system.
The owners have been contacted, and the county attorney is reviewing the case. Charges could be felony animal cruelty/neglect, which could lead to fines and/or jail time. The owners have signed over all but one of the animals. Many are currently available for adoption, and some have already been adopted.
On March 22, the Yuma County Sheriff's Office and the humane society issued a search warrant at a residence in Tacna and removed 46 cats and six deceased cats that were living in "deplorable" conditions with no food or water. Many of these cats have given birth at the shelter. The case is being reviewed by the county attorney's office, and the owner could be charged with several counts of felony animal cruelty with possible fines and/or jail time.
On Jan. 31, the Humane Society responded to a call of dogs attacking sheep in the 16000 block of Avenue B-1/4. Two sheep were found dead, and others had to be euthanized due to their injuries. The two different owners of the dogs each received four to five misdemeanor charges, varying from killing livestock to lack of shots and license. The case is being reviewed by the county attorney's office.
APRIL 2007 STATISTICS ON ANIMALS - THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF YUMA
-Cruelty cases investigated - 56
-Dogs turned in to the shelter - 416
-Cats turned in to the shelter - 534
-Dogs adopted - 103
-Cats adopted - 27
-Animals returned to owner - 58
-Dogs and cats euthanized - 568
-Patrol service calls - 857
-Dog licenses issued - 625
Source: The Humane Society of Yuma
TIPS FOR FIGHTING ANIMAL CRUELTY - AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
-Be aware - Look out for animals in your neighborhood and call if you suspect a problem.
-Learn to recognize cruelty - Possible signs include wounds, extreme thinness or dogs chained without food or water.
-Know whom to call - The Humane Society of Yuma is the enforcement officer for these types of cases in Yuma County.
-Provide as much information as possible - Including type of cruelty, date, time and who was involved.
-Know the anti-cruelty laws - Visit www.aspca.org/statelaws.
-Fight for strong anti-cruelty laws - Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade at www.aspca.org/lobby.
-Set a good example - Show pets the love and care they deserve.
-Talk to your kids - Education plants the seeds of kindness early.
-Support your local shelter or rescue group - Volunteer your time, foster a shelter animal or donate money, food or supplies.
Source: ASPCA Action - "April is Anti-Cruelty Month!" Spring 2007
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Nicole Squibbs can be reached at
nsquibbs@yumasun.com or 539-6855.
