Man Accused of Killing Poodle With Brick

A San Mateo County man is accused of killing a teenage girl's poodle by hitting it in the head with a brick because the pet wandered into his yard one too many times, the district attorney said. Marcos Montano-Topete, 32, who lives on Dumbarton Avenue in unincorporated San Mateo County, faces one charge of felony animal cruelty in connection with the March 26 attack.

Prosecutors said Montano-Topete allegedly approached his 16-year-old neighbor and told her he was sick of her dog -- a 26-pound poodle named 'Globsis' -- coming onto his property, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. Montano-Topete allegedly told the girl he had hit her dog and it was lying in her yard, Wagstaffe said.

The pet was found whimpering and convulsing in a pool of blood. The dog's snout appeared to be caved in, and deputies later found a brick nearby, according to the district attorney's office. The dog was treated by animal health professionals. But, due to the severity of its injuries, it had to be euthanized. Montano-Topete was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty, and pleaded not guilty in June.

Defense attorney Tom Deremigio did not immediately return a call for comment. Montano-Topete was due to appear in court for a superior court review conference Wednesday afternoon, and is scheduled to return for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 9.

--Bay City News

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