The 76-year-old suspect, Raul Jesus Canales, faces four charges of Cruelty to Non-livestock Animals. His bond is set at $100,000.
SAN ANTONIO — A 76-year-old man is behind bars facing animal cruelty charges after dead dogs were found at his home over the weekend.
San Antonio police responded to reports of a man killing dogs Sunday afternoon along the 500 block of Cavalier Avenue.
Officers questioned Raul Jesus Canales about the deceased animals. He was detained then arrested for Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals.
Animal Care Services took custody of other animals living on the property.
Chris Flores, who lives in the neighborhood, is sickened by the news.
“It’s very sad, it’s very tragic,” Flores said. “Don’t want that in our neighborhood, especially cruelty to animals. We love animals. We got cats, dogs running around, especially they protect your home.”
Jenna Loos, an independent animal rescuer, has so many questions about Sunday’s grim discovery and the suspect.
“Was it intentional, was it a Good Samaritan trying to help and then just got overwhelmed or was this something that he was doing maliciously,” Loos said. “Unfortunately, I have heard of similar situations. It tends to be someone that’s wanting to initially help with the street dogs. They take them in, they end up taking more in and they just get overwhelmed and they can barely take care of themselves let alone now however many animals they’ve taken in.”
Loos stressed the community has a role to play as well to deter animal cruelty cases by calling ACS and local city council members.
“This is our community. Anything that happens here is happening to our community, which means we need to make sure we’re taking care of it. So absolutely, if you see something say something,” Loos said.
Loos also noted there must be legal consequences for such cases.
“I feel horribly for anybody that gets into these situations. There are also does need to be consequences for this kind of thing,” Loos said.
As for Canales, his bond was set at $100,000.