Owner of Starved Guard Dog is Sentenced for Animal Cruelty

The owner of a now-defunct guard dog rental business, who starved and abused his animals ,was sentenced today to a suspended sentence and ordered to attend animal cruelty classes.

Charles Ferguson, 52, of Gardena was convicted last month of multiple felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

If found to be in violation of his probation, Ferguson could be sentenced to up to four years in state prison, which would be served locally, prosecutors said. Judge Allen Webster additionally ordered the defendant to complete four-dozen animal cruelty classes.

Humane officers began looking into J.R. Ewing Guard Dogs, located in the unincorporated Athens area, late last year following an anonymous tip. Investigators discovered dead dogs and multiple animals on the property that appeared to be starving, according to spcaLA spokeswoman Ana Bustilloz.

The spcaLA worked with the county Department of Animal Care and Control to gather evidence on Ferguson's treatment of dogs.

"Ferguson treated his vehicles with more regard than he did the dogs who were the backbone of his business," said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein.

The company at 1207 W. El Segundo Blvd. in Gardena -- where Ferguson also lived -- now stands vacant. Ferguson's license to own and operate a guard dog business was revoked by Los Angeles County, Bustilloz said.

A restitution hearing in the case is set for Nov. 14.

-- City News Service