Brunette Convicted in Dog Abuse Case

Forty Starving Dogs and Puppies Seized From Filthy and Dangerous Conditions

Update
On January 22, 2010, Robert Brunette was sentenced to a year in county jail and five years probation during which time he is to have no dogs. He is required to participate in mental health treatment and must pay over $100,000 in restitution to Santa Cruz County Animal Services. On Friday, December 11, 2009, a jury found Robert Brunette guilty on all 10 counts of animal cruelty – two felonies and eight misdemeanors.

Update 9/14/09
Deciding against continuing to represent himself, Robert Brunette requested attorney representation in May 2009, and the Court granted him an extension. A pretrial hearing is currently scheduled for November 25, 2009. (Always contact the Court to confirm court dates as they are subject to change.) Here are news articles from May 2009 and April 2009 about the case.

(Santa Cruz County, CA)  His dogs’ living conditions long a concern to his neighbors, Robert Brunette was arrested in late July 2008 after approximately 40 allegedly starving dogs and puppies were seized from filthy and dangerous conditions on his property.

Also reportedly found by authorities were the various remains of an unknown number of dogs, including a severed head which hung from a tree branch.

Brunette, who is said to have advertised and sold his dogs for profit in the San Francisco area, is currently facing 10 counts of animal cruelty, two of which are felony charges. Earlier attempts by authorities to intervene on this property and secure relief for the dogs living there were unsuccessful.

Clerk of the Court, Criminal Division
Superior Court of Santa Cruz County
701 Ocean Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-420-2200
Case # F-16961