COUNTY

Animal cruelty arrests, animals seized after investigation in Lockwood Valley area

Gretchen Wenner
Ventura County Star

Authorities arrested a father and son in northeast Ventura County last week on suspicion of felony animal cruelty violations.

The arrests took place Friday after a search warrant was served on a residence in the 16000 block of Chuchupate Trail, a rural area off Lockwood Valley Road in Los Padres National Forest, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. The site is southwest of Frazier Park in neighboring Kern County.

Investigators found "significant animal neglect and abuse" at the residence, officials said, including pens where three dead pigs were left with live pigs. Other animals were found in "poor and insufficient" conditions, including some that lacked water, according to the sheriff's account.

Authorities seized six cows, six dogs, five horses, four pigs and a ferret from the property.

Ventura County authorities arrested two men and seized more than 20 animals in an animal cruelty case in the remote Lockwood Valley area on April 9, 2021.

The warrant service, initiated after an investigation by deputies from the sheriff's Lockwood Valley Station, was assisted by personnel from multiple agencies. The help included game wardens and an environmental scientist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, staff from county animal services and the Humane Society of Ventura County, and county code enforcement personnel.

Marcus Beale, 54, and Malcolm Beale, 23, were arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty violations. They were booked into Ventura County jail and later released on $10,000 bail bonds, officials said. Both are scheduled to appear at Ventura County Superior Court on the morning of April 23.

Gretchen Wenner covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at gretchen.wenner@vcstar.com or 805-437-0270.

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