Officials recommend animal cruelty charges against Paso Robles owner who duct-taped dog
San Luis Obispo County officials on Friday recommended animal cruelty charges against a dog owner who allegedly taped a chicken to a black Labdrador retriever’s face as a form of punishment.
The county District Attorney’s Office received a report from Animal Services with the suggested charges, said Jerret Gran, chief deputy district attorney.
Animal Services recommended a cruelty to animals charge, which could be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, and a misdemeanor permitting animals to go without care charge, said Eric Anderson, county Animal Services manager, in an email.
“Filing of the charges, and whether or not to file the charges as a misdemeanor or felony, is at the discretion of the District Attorney,” Anderson wrote.
A rural Paso Robles resident on Monday night found the 7-month-old male Labrador on Loma Lane with tape around its mouth and eyes, said Tony Cipolla, a county Sheriff’s Office spokesman.
A portion of a chicken was also taped to the dog’s head, Anderson told The Tribune on Wednesday.
Officials identified the dog’s owner, who allegedly taped the Labrador’s head as a form of discipline after it attacked chickens, Anderson said.
The dog is doing well and is currently being cared for by Animals Services, Anderson said.
This story was originally published February 21, 2020 at 1:29 PM.
