Riverside County Animal Services officers worked with the Sheriff’s Department on an investigation that elevated from an animal cruelty allegation to something more serious.
Lt. Luis Rosa of Animal Services said his officers realized a woman at a Coachella property might also be a victim of domestic violence.
On July 30, Oscar Jesus Romero Moreno was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, child endangerment and animal cruelty.
Animal Services officer Jose Cisneros impounded a 6-month-old terrier mix and the dog was X-rayed and put on pain medications for a fracture.
A witness stated that Romero Moreno allegedly picked the dog up from its neck, strangled it and slammed the dog. He then allegedly tossed the dog out the front door about 15 feet and the dog hit a wrought-iron fence.
The alleged animal cruelty incident happened on July 24 at a property on Calle Techa in Coachella. That is the same date Officer Cisneros took the dog to the shelter for an examination and care. Ownership of the dog was relinquished to Animal Services.
An employee is currently providing extra comfort for the dog in her office. The dog, whose name is Oreo, appears to have suffered a fracture to the left hind leg.
On Aug. 1, Animal Services submitted its investigation to the Sheriff’s Department to combine the allegations. Animal Services is requesting the District Attorney’s Office consider felony animal cruelty in combination to the other allegations.
