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Willoughby Police charge owners in case of abandoned dog

The dog was first found abandoned in near freezing weather on Dec. 4.
Credit: Wiloughby Police

Willoughby Police have identified and arrested the owners of a dog who was found abandoned in the area of St. Clair Extension, est of Erie Road, last week.

Alvaro Torres and Heather Pica Torres have been charged with Cruelty to Companion Animals “Goddard’s Law,” a Felony of the 5th degree and Unlicensed Dog, a minor misdemeanor. Both Mr. and Ms. Torres have been cooperative with police and appeared at the Willoughby City Jail on Wednesday evening on their own accord for a booking process.

Credit: Wiloughby Police
Credit: Wiloughby Police

On Dec. 4, police were dispatched to the area where a dog was reported as running loose. Officers were unable to catch the dog, a female pit bull mix, who appeared to have been abandoned in the close to freezing weather.

All that had been left behind was a dog cage and dog pillow.

Officers continued to check in on the dog numerous times with food. It was eventually retrieved by the dog warden and taken back to the Lake County Animal Shelter. An online collection started to help pay for the veterinarian help she was going to "desperately" need.

On Dec. 7, the investigating officer received information that the dog had lived at a residence in Willoughby. Soon after, Mr. and Ms. Torres were identified as the owners.

An initial court appearance for the pair was scheduled for 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13.

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