CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Authorities arrested a Clearlake woman on Tuesday for an animal cruelty case that has been under investigation since the summer.
Dawn Thompson, 43, Clearlake, was arrested in the 14500 block of Burns Valley Road for an active warrant for her arrest issued by the Lake County Superior Court, according to Clearlake Police Det. Ryan Peterson.
Peterson said that Clearlake Animal Control Officer Melinda Wymer began an animal cruelty investigation on June 26 involving three adult horses and 10 dogs in the 14500 block of Burns Valley Road.
Through the investigation, the horses and the dogs – ranging in size from a small terrier mix to a greyhound – were located on the property, Peterson said.
The dogs appeared to be in good health, but lacked appropriate access to food and water. Peterson said the horses on the property appeared to be in poor health and lacked appropriate access to food and water as well.
Peterson said Thompson was contacted on the property in June and she advised that four of the 10 dogs belonged to her daughter. Thompson claimed ownership of the three horses.
At that time, Officer Wymer issued Thompson a notice of violation giving her 30 days to correct the conditions. Peterson said Officer Wymer followed up with Thompson and determined she failed to comply with the notice of violation and provide the horses with medical care, proper food and adequate living conditions.
On July 5, Officer Wymer executed an abatement warrant along with the assistance of the Clearlake Police Department and seized the three horses. The horses were transported to a local boarder and provided with veterinary care, Peterson said.
Through the nearly five-month-long investigation, Officer Wymer determined Thompson committed felony animal cruelty, according to Peterson.
Peterson said Officer Wymer completed her investigation, which was forwarded to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for review.
He said the Lake County District Attorney’s Office requested a warrant for Thompson's arrest. The Lake County Superior Court issued a warrant in the amount of $15,000 which was served with Thompson’s Tuesday arrest.
Clearlake Animal Control makes felony animal cruelty arrest
- Lake County News reports
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