California man bought dog at flea market and severely beat him.

A 20-year-old San Rafael man was arraigned Wednesday on charges he severely beat his 6-month-old Chihuahua puppy, authorities said.

Jose Misael Cardenas could face up to three years and eight months in prison if convicted of animal cruelty and other counts, said Deputy District Attorney Linda Witong.

A plea hearing is pending. Cardenas was being held at the Marin County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.

The investigation began on Aug. 27, when authorities received an anonymous tip from a resident on North San Pedro Road about someone beating a Chihuahua, said Carrie Harrington, spokeswoman for the Marin Humane Society.

An animal control officer arrived to find the Chihuahua, whose name is Scooby, needing emergency treatment for bruises, limping and lethargy. The dog's owner, Cardenas, denied any wrongdoing.  The dog's injuries Aug. 27 included hemorrhaging to the left eye and bruising to his lower legs, chest and right ear, said Dave Stapp, an officer with the Marin Humane Society.

The Humane Society seized Scooby and took the dog to the Pet Emergency and Specialty Center in San Rafael. After further investigation, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for Cardenas, and he surrendered to the jail Wednesday morning.

Scooby remained at the pet hospital and will be released Thursday, Harrington said. The Humane Society is arranging for a foster home for the dog pending the outcome of the criminal case.

Cardenas told investigators he bought the dog at a flea market in Vallejo.



Alleged: Jose Misael Cardenas

Incident Date: Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008

County: Marin
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Jury trial: Friday, Jan 16, 2009


Prosecutor(s):Linda Witong


Judge(s):Kelly Simmons



Jury trial to be held at:
Marin County Superior Court
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, California 94903



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