Woman convicted in cruelty case involving almost 100 dogs

A jury recently convicted a woman in an animal cruelty case dating to 2007 that involved almost 100 dogs, including 40 Great Danes.

Antonia Angela "Angel" White, 51, was convicted of multiple misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty related to a seizure of her animals on a simmering July day.

Many of the animals did not have proper shelter or water on a July 26 day that temperatures soared into the triple-digit mark.

"Any reasonable person who saw the conditions that day would have been horrified," Animal Services Captain Tammie Belmonte said. "Even the veteran sheriff’s deputies who assisted us that day were disgusted. We are very pleased the jury found our case credible. This is a good day for animal advocates everywhere."

White claimed to be a rescue operator but did not have a proper kennel permit, a violation of a county ordinance.

She consistently failed to provide necessary upgrades to safely house the dogs and failed repeatedly to reduce the number of dogs housed at her property.

Some of the dogs were kept in a barn-like structure that did not have proper ventilation, Captain Belmonte said.

On July 26 Officer Wapner and a team of officers seized 92 dogs – including the 40 Great Danes – and placed them in protective custody.

In October 2007, the Department of Animal Services eventually agreed to allow White to place the 40 Great Danes in a private kennel paid for by her. The agreement also allowed the Department of Animal Services to send most of the remaining dogs to Moreno Valley-based Tender Loving Care of the Inland Empire to place them in adoptive or foster homes..." More

Temecula man pleads guilty to animal cruelty with over 200 dead dogs

MURRIETA - A Temecula man who had more than 200 dead dogs in plastic bags on his property pleaded guilty today to three animal cruelty counts and was sentenced to five years probation, three days in jail and 1,000 hours of community service.

Elisao Gilbert Jimenez, 67, must also undergo mental health counseling and take prescribed medications. He will be subject to search and seizure at any time during his probationary period and cannot own any animals, according to court documents.

Jimenez was arrested last January for having more than 200 dead dogs in plastic bags, including one with its heart eaten out.

As investigators tried to control about 80 live dogs, one killed another and began eating it, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Investigators also found a dead cat on the bathroom counter and other pregnant and sick felines, as well as dead dogs with fresh wounds on their bodies from dog fights, according to court papers.

Seven other animal cruelty counts were dismissed as part of the plea agreement..." More

Jan 24, 2009: Animal abuse suspect had prior pet violations