Men Who Violently Killed Dogs Sentenced

On September 24, 2021, the Tulare County Superior Court sentenced Angel Valencia, age 53, and Carlos Rivera, age 21, for the violent abuse of two dogs that resulted in their deaths. On August 12, 2021, both men pleaded to all charges filed against them: four felony counts of cruelty to an animal with the special allegations of use of a deadly weapon. Each count is a strike offense.

In the late afternoon of October 17, 2018, Tulare County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in Orosi regarding the deaths of two dogs, a German Shepard and an Alaskan Husky. While the deputies spoke to the owner of the dogs, Valencia approached and was observed to have blood on his legs and shorts. Deputies detained him and continued their investigation. Based on witness accounts, evidence found at the scene and statements made by the defendants, both dogs were hung by their necks from a tree.  In addition to being hanged, the Husky was beaten with a large stick and the German Shepard’s throat was cut with shears. Valencia and Rivera maintained they killed the dogs because they had allegedly killed several of their pigs. 

Although the Office of the District Attorney argued for a lengthier sentence and made no plea bargain, the court sentenced both men to 180 days in custody, community service, and ordered that they are not to own any dogs or pets. Additionally, Valencia was ordered to enroll in anger management classes. The men were remanded into custody immediately after the sentencing.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kelly Habroun and was investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.

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