Cutting dog's ears gets man 10 days in jail

A Maxwell man was sentenced to 10 days in jail and three years probation Wednesday for lopping off his dog's ears with a pair of household scissors.

Judge John Tiernan said Jesus Melecio, 34, was lucky that the case was heard in a place that follows the rules of law and not the rules of emotion — an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth.

"We should take care of our animals the same way we take care of our children," Tiernan said. "We have the same responsibility."

Melecio pleaded no contest Sept. 4 to one felony charge of animal cruelty after an animal control officer found the 8-month-old injured pit bull while he was investigating a report of a loose dog.

Investigators said the dog was discovered inside a dirty kennel, covered with blood and suffering from open wounds and fly infestation.

Deputy District Attorney David Bates said the cutting of the dog's ears without antiseptic and anesthesia was cruel and inhumane.

"It must have hurt like heck," Bates said.

Bates said the photographs taken of the dog's injuries were graphic and showed that the animal received no follow-up care until Melecio was ordered to take the dog to a veterinarian.

The animal has since recovered.

Albert Smith, Melecio's attorney, argued that the practice of docking an animal's ears or tail with crude tools was cultural and far more widespread than most people realize.

"So is driving drunk," Tiernan said. "But we don't tolerate it. We are a humane society."

Tiernan said he understood that ear cropping was common, but there was a right way and a wrong way to do it.

"The right way is in a vet hospital under anesthesia, followed by proper care," he said.

Though Bates requested that Melecio not be allowed to possess animals during his probation, Tiernan said the man could keep his dogs, provided he gives them proper care.

Tiernan said Melecio's probation includes stipulations that animal control officers can search and seize any animal at anytime without cause.

Melecio was also ordered to pay a $350 fine, state restitution and security fees.

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