Crime & Safety

For Digging Up Tree, Miniature Pinscher Was Beaten to Death, County Says

A 2-year-old miniature Pinscher, doing what comes naturally, dug up a newly planted tree this week—and paid the ultimate price, authorities said.

The female dog died of beating injuries, and her owner was arrested Monday night.  

The county Department of Animal Services arrested 69-year-old Charles Alexander Dudley of Spring Valley on one count of felony animal cruelty, a crime that could send him to state prison, force him to pay a fine up to $20,000 or both, officials said.
     
“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.

“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.”
   
A neighbor called the agency saying he witnessed the beating in Dudley’s back yard on the 3500 block of Bentley Drive.
    
The animal control officer who responded to the scene found the Miniature Pinscher barely breathing in the and rushed the 8-pound animal to an emergency veterinary hospital.

Despite emergency care, the dog succumbed to its injuries overnight. A necropsy will be to determine the exact cause of death. 

When Animal Control Officer Lori Brown returned to the scene Monday evening, she said Dudley admitted to beating the dog because the animal had dug up a tree he had just planted. 

Dudley is being held on $25,000 bail and his arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in El Cajon Superior Court, jail records say.

Anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or abuse is asked to contact the Department of Animal Services’ 24-hour emergency dispatch center at (619) 236-2341.


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