Amber Steele, 53, told Red Bluff police officers her two dogs, Sasha and Blue, had been stabbed near the river under the bridge. Steele said Karson Harold Beal and a companion had entered her camp and without provocation stabbed the dogs.
Officers located Beal several hours later.
Beal told officers he went to Steele's camp to serve legal papers for a friend. While serving the papers, the dogs had become aggressive and attacked him.
Beal admitted to stabbing the dogs, according to the press release, but claimed it was self-defense. He showed officers a minor dog bite to his lower leg.
Based on the physical evidence and statements of both parties and additional witnesses, officers believed the force used on the dogs was unjustified and willfully cruel.
Beal was arrested for animal cruelty and was treated at St. Elizabeth's Community Hospital prior to being booked into jail.
His bail was $15,000. According to the press release Sasha and Blue sustained severe injuries and may not recover.
(Red Bluff Daily News - Sept 14, 2012)
