Charges Filed in Alleged Animal Abuse Case

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges related to animal abuse in the county.

Cesar Flores, age 51, is charged with 44 felony counts of cruelty to animals. He was arraigned on the charges yesterday afternoon and pleaded not guilty. The court released Flores on supervised own recognizance with a GPS monitor. Prosecutors raised concerns of his release for the safety of the animals. The court imposed conditions that Flores must stay at least 100 yards away from his property and the animals. He also cannot possess animals and must make regular contact with probation.

Flores is scheduled to return to court on December 22, 2022, in Department 18 for a preliminary hearing setting. According to current California sentencing laws, if convicted Flores faces probation or a potential local time prison sentence.

Anyone with further information regarding this case is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Ag Crime detectives at 559-733-6218.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494