Pit bull's ears cropped inhumanely
Pueblo, NM (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Jul 31, 2006
County: Sandoval

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Michael Valdez - Convicted
» Oscar Quintero-Hernandez
» juvenile male

A repentant Pueblo man was sentenced to five days in jail (with one suspended), plus 18 months' probation for misdemeanor animal cruelty on Oct 16.

Michael Valdez, 27, had faced a maximum of 10 days in jail for his role in the botched ear-clipping of a pit bull terrier pup named Mercedes.

He also agreed to undergo anger management classes, despite a reportedly negative finding for anger issues in a pre-sentencing report, and to pay $370 in restitution. Valdez will additionally make a donation of $500 to a children's services agency, in lieu of paying a fine of that amount.

In August, a juvenile male allegedly asked Valdez to clip Mercedes' ears while he and another man, identified as Oscar Quintero-Hernandez, allegedly participated.

According to an affidavit, a woman told police the juvenile had brought the dog by her house with a bloody T-shirt over its head and asked for her sewing kit because "the guy" had "messed up a little bit."

The woman saw the dog was in extreme pain. She refused to return Mercedes to her owner. Instead, the witness wrapped the dog's ears, gave her Tylenol and took her to a veterinarian, who called police.

The juvenile reportedly told police he'd seen a picture of a dog with cropped ears at a local tattoo parlor and that Valdez, who was training there, told him he was "certified" to do this to dogs.

In court, Valdez denied that claim through his attorney, saying there were no pictures and he never said he was certified.

"He admits he did do this at the request of (juvenile). He realizes he hurt the animal, in a big way," attorney Dan Hotsenpiller said.

Still, he asked that Valdez be spared jail. "This is not a free shot for Mr. Valdez. He's taking this very seriously."

Valdez had come from Pueblo with money for fines and costs and was prepared to go to jail. He had no record of violence and, said Hotsenpiller, only wanted "to make this right." He suggested that Valdez complete useful public service at an animal shelter.

"I know it was wrong," Valdez said. "Nothing like this will happen again."

District Judge Dennis Friedrich approved of the idea of public service, ordering 40 hours, but said jail was necessary too.

"I think the message needs to be sent. I think it's a real serious situation when someone does something with an animal."

Mercedes' juvenile owner was due in court the following afternoon. Quintano-Hernandez was set to appear Oct. 26.

References

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