Laguna Beach Shepherd Awaits New Home Following Animal Cruelty Case

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Reports of animal cruelty had Laguna Beach Police Department detectives researching a woman who was seen kicking a German Shepherd puppy earlier this year. Now, that puppy awaits a new, loving home, police said.

The initial reports and follow up investigation led to the conviction, three year probation and ultimate decision that 39-year-old Laguna Beach resident Amber Castillo cannot own, possess, care for, or live with live animals during the probationary time.

According to the OC Register, this was the first time that Laguna Beach police were able to seize an animal from its owner. Working with the Orange County District Attorney's Office Animal Cruelty Unit, LBPD detective Jordan Mirakian built a case that led to a conviction.

"On March 23, 2017, Laguna Beach Police Department Detectives initiated an animal cruelty investigation against Castillo," Laguna Beach Police Department Sergeant Jim Cota said. "The investigation began after Detectives received reports that Castillo was seen kicking "Sarge," her 9-month-old German Shepherd puppy outside of the Alternative Sleeping Location in Laguna Beach."

When questioned, Castillo identified herself as the owner of a dog training business, Customized Dog Training and Service Animals.

"Castillo was on a legally mandated prohibition of animal ownership from a 2013 animal cruelty case," Cota said.

Detectives interviewed Castillo, took custody of “Sarge,” and temporarily housed him at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter.

"The Laguna Beach Police Department partnered with Coastal German Shepherd Rescue of Lake Forest, a 501 (c) 3 organization, to evaluate and re-home “Sarge,” where he is now housed until he can be adopted," Cota said.

“Cases like these sometimes go unrecognized, which is why it’s so important that local law enforcement pursues abusive animal owners because law enforcement is the voice of defenseless animals," Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Malone said. Malone works with the Environmental Protection Unit responsible for prosecuting the case.

On May 16, Castillo was convicted of two counts of animal cruelty and sentenced to 34 days in jail and three years of probation, Cota said.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation or other similar incidents is encouraged to call the Laguna Beach Police Department at (949) 497-0701. For further information, please contact Sergeant Jim Cota at (949) 464-6671 or jcota@lagunabeachcity.net.

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter encourages those interested in pet adoption or fostering a pet, to contact the shelter at (949) 497-3552 or visit their website at http://puplagunabeach.org.

Laguna Beach Police Department Photo