Felony conviction for fresno man who suffocated dog

FRESNO - On Friday, November 21, 2017, a Central California SPCA (CCSPCA) Humane Officer responded to a call regarding animal cruelty placed by a local Fresno resident. The reporting party stated that his roommate was currently kicking and hanging his own dog, and also relayed that similar acts of violent abuse had taken place in the past.

CCSPCA's Humane Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene. The suspect, Mr. Mark Anthony Estrada, claimed there was no dog on the property. However, the food and water dishes, and collapsible dog crate showed otherwise. Estrada’s brother confirmed there was a dog on the property in the backyard.

CCSPCA's Humane Officers requested and received assistance from the Fresno Police Department to conduct a search of the backyard. There, they found a plastic Walmart bag that had been tied shut with a small, white deceased female Maltese inside. Estrada was arrested on the spot for violating California Penal Code 597(a), Malicious Intent to Harm an Animal, and was transported to the Fresno County Jail by Fresno Police Officers.

An official necropsy report revealed the cause of the young Maltese’s death was due to severe cranial damage, and internal bleeding within the brain and throughout the body. All eight ribs were also fractured.

Justice was brought to the young on Monday when Estrada was convicted of a felony for violating California Penal Code 597(a). He will serve two years in local prison, 50/50 split (one year in prison, one year under supervision).

CCSPCA is grateful for the ongoing support of the Fresno County District Attorney’s office with animal cruelty cases and appreciates the support, professionalism, and helping hand of the Fresno Police Department for their assistance in this case.

If you are in the Fresno area and suspect animal cruelty, please call (559) 233-7722 or visit Central California SPCA.

For more information on Humane Officers, click here.