Mans fails to appear for arraignment in animal cruelty case
The 19-year-old Yuma man arrested after reportedly striking a dog and restricting the animal from breathing failed to appear Thursday afternoon for his arraignment on a felony charge in connection to the incident.
According to Yuma Justice Court records, Douglas E. Severson, who was out of custody pending charges, was scheduled to appear before Justice of the Peace pro tem Pamela Walsma. She was scheduled to inform him that he had been charged with one felony count of animal cruelty.
Since Severon did not appear for the hearing, Judge Walsma scheduled a preliminary hearing for July and returned the case to the Yuma County Attorney’s Office, which could issue a warrant for his arrest.
According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, on Tuesday at approximately 9:32 a.m., deputies responded to the 200 block of South Avenue B.
Upon their arrival, deputies met with the reporting party, which stated that Severson had been observed striking his canine and proceeded to restrict the canine from breathing.
The canine suffered injuries to his snout and muzzle, causing him to bleed.
Severson was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on one felony count of animal cruelty.
“We will not tolerate any type of animal abuse in our community. Those caught will be arrested and charged for their crime,” stated Sheriff Leon Wilmot.