2 charged in ‘heartbreaking’ dog cruelty case
When Bella, a 7-monthold chocolate lab, was rescued in early October, she could barely walk. Found in a pile of soiled laundry in an abandoned home, the dog was severely malnourished and suffering from mange.
But with the help of the Houston Humane Society, Bella is on her way to making a full recovery, and prosecutors are seeking to hold accountable those responsible for her abuse.
District Attorney Devon Anderson announced Monday that prosecutors have charged Tristan Hancock, 21, and Elisha Gonzales, 44, with cruelty to a non-livestock animal. They hadn’t been located as of Monday evening.
“We’ve all seen the disturbing pictures of Bella, and they are heartbreaking,” said Anderson, a Republican who is running for re-election on Nov. 8 against Democrat Kim Ogg. “Cruelty to animals is unacceptable, and our office will continue to fight these crimes.”
If convicted of the misdemeanor, Gonzales and Hancock each could face up to a year in the Harris County Jail and a possible fine of up to $4,000.
The case is being handled by the animal cruelty division at the district attorney’s office. Anderson said her office likely will seek jail time.
Bella was discovered on Oct. 4 in a vacated home in the 200 block of Taranto Lane in east Houston. The animal was anemic, with infections and parasites, and taken to the humane society’s clinic.
“Upon arrival, our clinic immediately began treatment, and looking past her physical debilitation and realizing her wonderful and magnificent inner beauty, they named her Bella,” said Sherry Ferguson, executive director of the Houston Humane Society.
Since the society was awarded custody of Bella on Oct. 11, her health has improved significantly. She gained 10 pounds, most of her open wounds have healed, and her coat is beginning to grow back, Ferguson said.
The energetic and outgoing pup played with a plush toy at Monday’s news conference. However, she is still on heavy doses of antibiotics, de-worming medication and liquid vitamins.
“She has a long way to go, but we at HHS are committed to doing everything we can to get her healthy and into the lifelong home she deserves,” Ferguson said.
Through a selective adoption process, a permanent home has been found for Bella, who will move in once her health has sufficiently improved.
Ferguson said that while the society can’t control what happens to an animal before it’s brought in, “we sure do have the ability to control what happens to them in the future. We are dedicated to making that future bright and happy and loving for every single animal.”