Man Charged After Failing To Seek Care For Dog, Leading To Leg Amputation

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man accused of failing to seek medical care for his severely injured dog, leading to amputation of the animal's leg, was charged by prosecutors with felony animal cruelty, officials announced Tuesday.

Eagle, a young female Belgian Malinois, had a serious open leg wound with exposed bone, according to San Diego County Animal Services and the San Diego County District Attorney's Office. After a county animal services officer spotted the dog while responding to another call, a warrant was obtained to impound Eagle and she was taken in for treatment.

Veterinarians ultimately decided to amputate Eagle's leg due to the nature of the injury and to protect her health, county officials said.

Eagle recovered swiftly in the days following her surgery, which was financially covered by the Spirit Veterinary Medical Fund, a county animal services fund for animals in need of expensive treatment.

"Thanks to help from the community and the dedication of our animal services officers and staff, animals like Eagle get the care they need and the opportunity for a new start with a loving family," Animal Services Director Vaughn Maurice said.

Eagle's owner, Osvaldo Deleon, 61, of Campo was charged with one count of felony animal abuse and neglect for failing to seek medical attention for his dog's severely injured leg.

He pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Monday in San Diego Superior Court. He faces up to three years in custody if convicted, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.

"Our office is committed to holding people accountable for all forms of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect," San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said.

"We are determined to be a voice for animals who are mistreated and to deliver justice on their behalf," Stephan said. "We're constantly working with our law enforcement partners to identify and confirm potential abuse, especially when alerted to it by the community, and to prevent such abuse from occurring in the first place."