Community Corner

Lopez Flowers Hit with Animal Neglect Charge

Jose Lopez's Chihuahua had a collar strapped so tightly it had to be euthanized.

Jose Lopez, who operates Lopez Flowers off Saxony Road in Encinitas,  has been convicted of animal neglect and forced to surrender seven dogs, three pigeons, three parakeets, a pheasant, five game fowl, three hens and 21 chicks to authorities, Patch has learned.

The collar on one of the dogs, an adult female Chihuahua named Chespa, was strapped so tightly it became embedded under the animal’s skin and the dog had to be euthanized, according to Harold Holmes, deputy director for San Diego County Animal Services (SDCAS).

“Chespa’s neck was severely swollen and smelled of necrotic tissue,” Holmes told Patch. ”She had to be euthanized because of the advanced infection. In addition, Chespa was anemic and thin, which is likely a result of heavy flea infestation and pregnancy."

Most of the other animals found on the Lopez Flowers property were also in bad condition, Holmes said. 

"Officers initially found dogs in two kennels that contained water buckets full of mosquito larva, and floors soaked with urine and piled with caked feces and insects. There were additional pens with three hens, four game cocks and a pheasant. All the birds had dirty water and there was no food available. The pheasant had plucked its feathers and appeared to need medical attention," he said.

The only critters in good shape were the goats, according to an SDCAS inspection report. When an animal control officer asked why the goats looked so healthy, Lopez said it was because he eats the goats.

Lopez was turned in by “a good Samaritan who happened upon the animals in this awful situation,” Holmes said. Last August, Lopez relinquished the menagerie to SDCAS.

In April, Lopez pleaded guilty to one felony count of “crimes against animals,” a neglect charge that is less severe than intentional animal cruelty, Holmes said. In addition to being fined, he was sentenced to 25 days of community service and cannot possess any animals for 10 years. He also must undergo counseling, Holmes said, and submit his DNA as a convicted felon.

If Lopez completes one year of probation, he can have the conviction reduced to a misdemeanor and will be able to possess animals after five years instead of 10, Holmes said.

When Patch attempted to contact Lopez, his daughter Lupita emailed this reply: "My dad was innocent. The dog did that to herself. Yes, he got charged with that only because he had to. My dad has always had dozens of animals in his whole lifetime never did he try or abused them. Its nonsense. your welcome to do a report but im sure theres sex offenders and murderers you can try to bother. The dog simply did damage to herself. My dad pled guilty only because he didn't want more problems."

Holmes urged anyone who suspects animal neglect or abuse to contact SDCAS at 619-236-2341.


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