Animals

Robert Brunette - the suspect in the animal abuse case - has an outstanding warrant against him. Authorities in Santa Cruz discovered this information after he showed up for what he believed was a scheduled court hearing. He was immediately escorted to jail.

Authorities recognized his while he walked through the courthouse metal detectors and notified the deputies in the courtroom he was headed to. “Mr. Brunette thought he had a court date today, but he didn’t. He was taken into custody,” Officer Plageman said.

The warrant against him was issued just last week after he violating terms of his release. Two witnesses saw him walking dogs in the woods close to Deer Creek Road. When Brunette was released from jail on his own recognizance Aug. 20, he agreed not to have dogs while he awaits trial this fall.

The bail has been set at $50,000 according to Prosecutor Celia Rowland. “I think $50,000 bail is going to ensure his appearance in court,” Rowland said. Brunette was arrested July 31st - only five days after animal services and police officers served him with a warrant to search his land and take away dozens of malnourished and mistreated dogs and puppies.

At least 51 dogs have been taken from the run-down rural site. Many of the dogs were caged without food and water, and some had untreated medical problems, such as worms and severe flea infestations, according to animal services officers.