Napa County Jurors Convict Woman Of Felony Animal Cruelty To Dog

NAPA, CA — A Napa County jury Tuesday convicted a woman of felony animal cruelty that involved causing a metal collar to become embedded in her dog's neck. The jury convicted Natalie Covarrubias, 28, of two felony animal cruelty charges and one misdemeanor charge of failing to care for an animal after a four-day trial, Napa County prosecutors said.

Covarrubias' German Shepherd-Border Collie mix puppy "Enzo" escaped Covarrubias' backyard while she was working on Oct. 30. A neighbor found the dog and called Napa County Animal Services when she saw the metal collar caused an infection in the dog's neck.

Enzo received immediate attention because the prong, or pinch type collar made of metal links and curved prongs were so deep in his neck that they were not immediately visible, prosecutors said.

The dog was sedated at a veterinary hospital and the prongs were surgically removed but Enzo was left with puncture wounds around his neck.

The veterinarian discovered Enzo's neck had slowly grown into the collar for two to eight weeks, according to prosecutors.

Covarrubias is scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 23.

—Bay City News Service