Jerry Ramos, 49, was taken into custody on suspicion of animal neglect around 11:55 a.m. at his apartment residence on the 1000 block of Murietta Boulevard, Livermore police spokeswoman Officer Traci Rebiejo said.
The arrest came after a monthlong investigation by Livermore Animal Control officials that began when someone called to report an overwhelming smell of bodily waste coming from Ramos' apartment.
A search of the apartment Wednesday by police revealed that urine, feces, and other filth and garbage covered the entire apartment, Rebiejo said. The animals -- a 1-year-old French bulldog, a 14-year-old Yorkshire terrier and a white Persian cat -- were checked by a veterinarian and taken to the East County Animal Shelter in Dublin.
"We're hoping they will get adopted out," Rebiejo said. "They will not be going back to the owner."
Animal Control officials tried to contact Ramos when first notified in June. On their first visit to the apartment, they could see that waste had accumulated on the deck where the animals were, Rebiejo said. Smells also permeated the hallway in front of the apartment, she said.
According to Rebiejo, officials left a notice for Ramos to call them but he did not. Each time Animal Control officials agreed to meet Ramos at the apartment, he canceled the appointment, Rebiejo said.
Officials obtained a search warrant, and when police arrived Wednesday, Ramos refused to open his door to them. Police broke in, saw the animals and the waste, and made the arrest.
"Officers reported that their eyes were burning, because the stench was so intense," Rebiejo said. "It was just disgusting." In the aftermath, she said, the apartment was condemned by building code enforcers.
Ramos was taken to Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. Information on his bail amount was not immediately available.
(Contra Costa Times - July 25, 2013)
