A man accused of stabbing farm animals at a high school in Monterey County has been charged with animal abuse, prosecutors announced this week.

Prosecutors said that Jose Marquez, a resident of Gonzalez, California, was arranged this week on the felony abuse charge as well as burglary and resisting police after he stabbed two lambs and injured a third lamb and a pig. The animals were a part of the school’s 4-H program.

Gonzales police said that they used surveillance footage to identify the 31-year-old man and arrested him last week after a short struggle. Marquez allegedly confessed to entering the campus on his bicycle and said that his only intention was to steal a tool. However, he said that he felt angry and bludgeoned the animals before leaving.

At his court hearing, a Monterey County Superior Court judge denied bail for Marquez, KRON 4 reported. Marquez has a prior conviction for domestic violence in 2018 and faces up to 19 years and eight months in prison if convicted of all charges, the District Attorney’s Office said.

It is important to take animal abuse allegations seriously and to report any suspected instances of animal cruelty to the appropriate authorities. Animal abuse not only causes harm and suffering to animals, but it can also be a sign of a larger pattern of violence or abusive behavior.

According to PetPedia, every 60 seconds, an animal suffers from abuse, with more than 65 percent being dogs. More than 10 million animals die from abuse every year in the US alone, not including the livestock bred for consumption, who also suffer immense abuse. Animal abuse happens everywhere and is a serious issue. We need more laws to protect animals and hold abusers accountable. Sign this petition to demand all states make all animal abuse a felony now!

Speak Up Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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• Wisconsin Veterinarian Facing Multiple Animal Abuse Allegations at His Clinic

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