Othello man faces animal cruelty charges

OTHELLO — Dogs were confiscated from an Othello man Feb. 18 after a report that the animals were neglected. 

Ulises Neponoceno Pineda was cited for second-degree animal cruelty, a gross misdemeanor, according to a release from the Othello Police Department. The dogs were initially taken to a local veterinarian. 

The OPD also issued a release reminding residents that pets are the responsibility of the owner. City regulations require dogs to be licensed; fees went up at the beginning of February. The fee is $15 for a dog that has been spayed or neutered, $30 for a dog that hasn’t. Only cash or checks are accepted for payment.  Dog owners should bring proof of vaccinations and proof of spaying or neutering. 

Dog owners who don’t license their dogs are subject to fines, and dog owners will be cited for each individual violation, the release said. Pet owners who don’t license their dogs can be fined for that; if their dog lacks proof of a rabies vaccination, that’s also a violation. So is allowing a dog to run at large. The fine is $431 per infraction.