SMITHFIELD – A dog owner in Smithfield is charged with animal cruelty after his dog was reportedly found injured and in need of medical attention.
Humberto Ruiz Cruz, age 64, of N. Twelfth Street, was arrested June 12 and later released on a $500 unsecured bond.
Police said animal control responded to the address on two previous occasions and verbally warned Cruz he could not have his dog tied up.
On June 12, a concerned citizen called after reportedly hearing the dog yelping in pain. Animal control arrived and found a leash around the dog’s neck so tight it had rubbed the skin raw and was bleeding.
Police obtained a misdemeanor animal cruelty warrant for Cruz and he was arrested later that same day. He is scheduled to appear in Johnston County District Court on July 29, according to court documents.
Animal control seized the dog pending the outcome of the court case.
It’s about time people are held accountable for animal neglect and cruelty
Amen! These scumbags need to pay for their neglect & abuse of their pets. Sickening how some people have zero respect for an animal. I mean why about getting one if you’re just gonna beat the crap out of it and starve it
Heartless inhuman right there people
Please, people report animal abuse. Be the voice for the voiceless. If you see any animal need especially with this heat arising, leave a bowl of fresh water or food to homeless animals, it’s not their fault they are homeless, it’s HUMANS that don’t spay or neuter.
Call authorities if you think you need to, but if you have to think twice, maybe you really should make that call. He might be saving an animal’s life that’s suffering.
It’s amazing how quickly people will stick up for animals, but boy when it comes to unborn kids… KILL KILL KILL… It’s my right to kill a human soul but save little fluffy tied up outside we have to stand up for them… Yes, animal cruelty is horrible but so is murdering babies because you made a bad decision.. I pray that this country starts getting it right….
the fact this had NOTHING to do with the topic at hand… get it together.
What on earth ails you? You’re sounding kinda cuckoo. May it’s the heat.