Former Contra Costa Dog Trainer Gets 2 Years For Animal Cruelty

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — An Antioch man who owned a dog-training business was sentenced Friday to two years in California state prison for four counts of animal cruelty to dogs.

Garry Reynolds, 39, had his sentence handed down by Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge Patricia Scanlon.

Earlier this year, a jury found Reynolds guilty of four felonies — all counts of animal cruelty for each dog under the care and supervision of NorCal K9, a dog training business. Jurors found Reynolds was criminally negligent in the care of four animals under the care of his Antioch-based company: Gunner, a Doberman; Favor, a Cane Corso; Zeus, a German Shepherd; and Rambo "Bo," a Labro-Poodle.

The city of Antioch started a code enforcement investigation into the house where the dogs were located, at 5200 Lone Tree Way. When one of the dogs died, the code enforcement matter progressed to a criminal investigation led by the Antioch Police Department. Two of the dogs were eventually euthanized because of the injuries they suffered, according to Scott Alonso, spokesman for the Contra Costa County DA's Office.

The investigation also led police to Devon Ashby, an employee of NorCal K9. Ashby was charged by the DA’s Office for his involvement in this case and he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty, Alonso said.

During the sentencing Friday of Reynolds, Judge Scanlon denied motions by Reynolds' attorney for a new trial and to reduce the charges to misdemeanors. Instead, Reynolds was immediately remanded into custody, Alonso said.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Arsh Singh of the DA's Felony Trial Team.

"I am satisfied the defendant will serve time in state prison due to his extreme negligence and disregard for the animals under his company’s care," Singh said. "This case should serve as a wake-up call for any dog training company in our community. Animals deserve to be protected and treated well. Our Office will not tolerate the abuse of any animal."