Merced man arrested after animals he owns were found emaciated, sheriff says
A 34-year-old Merced man was arrested Tuesday on felony animal cruelty charges after officers from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services found a number of animals in appalling condition.
At about 3:45 p.m., officers went to a residence in the 5200 block of Utah Street in Merced after receiving a call about possible animal neglect.
They found two horses, six dogs and 12 puppies malnourished and emaciated, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. The horses’ hooves were overgrown.
Deputies arrested the animals’ owner, Ricardo Fontes, who was booked into the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Jail. He faces eight counts of felony animal cruelty, the post said.
Animal Control Officers seized the animals, which were provided care by a licensed veterinarian.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445. Callers may remain anonymous.
