28 dogs removed from Windsor garage; 35-year-old woman arrested on animal cruelty charges

During a probation compliance check Tuesday, officers discovered 28 dogs confined to a garage in Windsor, Sonoma County. Windsor Police Department said the animals lived amid fecal matter, soiled bedding and dirty water; North Bay Animal Services took custody and several animals required emergency medical care.

A mixed-breed terrier sitting on a garage floor beside a soiled blanket and a blurred crate in the background

Woman arrested for animal cruelty in Sonoma County and 35-year-old Christina Urrutia was arrested Tuesday in Windsor, Sonoma County, on suspicion of felony animal cruelty and related charges.

The animals were discovered during a probation compliance check at a home on the 7000 block of Hastings Place, officials said. The Windsor Police Department described conditions inside the garage as unsafe and unsanitary, prompting immediate intervention and the transfer of the dogs into agency custody. Authorities typically look for signs of animal cruelty during inspections, including poor physical condition, inadequate food and water, and unsafe living environments.

“A walkthrough of the garage revealed poor and unsafe living conditions, including an abundance of fecal matter, soiled bedding, limited or no food available, and dirty water,” the Windsor Police Department said. With more than 2,500 animals rescued by animal services in Sonoma County each year, it highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in ensuring animal welfare.

Officers reported the animals ranged from young puppies to adult mixed-breed terriers. Several dogs displayed signs that required urgent attention: one dog had a large open wound above its right eye, another was found crated with heavily-soiled bedding, and multiple animals had to be taken for emergency care at an animal services hospital. The conditions identified during the visit reflect common signs of neglect, prompting the need for immediate intervention.

North Bay Animal Services took custody of the dogs at the scene and arranged transport for veterinary evaluations and treatment. Agency personnel worked alongside law enforcement to stabilize animals who needed immediate medical attention before they were moved from the property. Pet owners can access resources from local animal control agencies and humane societies if they find themselves facing similar situations that require intervention.

Windsor Police Department personnel completed an on-site investigation during the probation compliance check that led to Urrutia’s arrest. Booking and charge details listed in public statements noted the arrest related to alleged cruelty tied to the animals’ living conditions.

The discovery followed a routine compliance visit, during which officers gain lawful access to residences associated with individuals on probation to verify court-ordered conditions. In this case, the visit uncovered the confined animals and the conditions that prompted seizure and arrest.

Authorities said the seized dogs will receive veterinary assessments and necessary care under the supervision of North Bay Animal Services while the matter proceeds through the criminal justice process. The agency will determine each animal’s medical needs and next steps for their care and placement according to standard procedures.

Local reporting on the arrest and seizure is available from KTVU, which first published details from the Windsor Police Department and the scene response.

Christina Urrutia, 35, was taken into custody Tuesday and remains the subject of the animal cruelty investigation. As North Bay Animal Services retains custody of the animals, officials will ensure they receive proper medical care and monitoring, focusing on improving their living conditions moving forward.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.

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