Man to be sentenced for abusing dog

A Maxwell man faces up to one year in county jail when he is sentenced Wednesday on one charge of animal cruelty.

Jesus Melecio, 34, pleaded no contest last week after being cited for cropping his 8-month-old Pit Bull’s ears with household scissors.

According to investigating officer, Pamela Craig, of the Colusa County District Attorney’s Office, the injured dog was found by an animal control officer last month while he was investigating a report of a lose dog.

The pup, which was confined in a dirty kennel, was covered with blood, open wounds and suffered from fly infestation, Craig said.

A family member allegedly told Craig they cropped the ears so the dog “would look cool.”

“This procedure is very painful,” Craig said. “It should only be performed by a licensed vet and under general anesthesia.”

Although the American Humane Association does not have an official position on the issue of ear cropping, it does oppose cosmetic surgery on animals when performed solely for the convenience of the caregiver.

According to the AHA Website, elective surgical procedures can cause postoperative discomfort and pain, as well as future physical effects.

Many veterinarians refuse to surgically “crop” the ears of animals because the procedure is particularly painful and has a long recovery period, Craig said.

Although the Pit Bull was left in Melecio’s custody pending disposition of the case, a judge could prohibit Melecio from owning this or any dog in the future.

Melecio could also be fined up to a $20,000 when he heads back to court Wednesday for sentencing.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com