Two people have been arrested in connection with animal abuse allegations after Fresno police rescued three dogs that tested positive for multiple drugs, authorities said.
The dogs, Brownie, Baby Girl, and Vada, are recovering at the Fresno Animal Center.
According to Fresno Police, officers encountered the dogs while patrolling a central Fresno neighborhood and observed that the animals were in poor condition. The three Chihuahua mix dogs were taken to emergency veterinary services, where testing revealed several drugs in their systems.
"They were delivered to our emergency veterinary services, who tested for drugs in their system," Fresno Animal Center Director Alma Torres said.
Testing found all three dogs were positive for amphetamine and meth, while some of the animals also had drugs including OxyContin and Xanax in their systems.
Torres said the shelter has previously encountered cases involving animals and drugs.
"We have seen accidental drugs and that has happened before. We have done things in shelter, however this is a case that (the police department) initiated," Torres said.
Police said officers rescued Brownie on August 5 near Olive and Maroa Avenues in Central Fresno. Officers found the dog inside a vehicle with Lindsey Herbert, who also had drugs inside her vehicle, according to police.
Authorities said Brownie appeared lethargic and limp and was lying next to fecal matter. An acquaintance of Herbert's told officers he believed the dog was overdosing. Brownie was given Narcan and taken to a veterinarian that day.
"Animals deserve to be treated appropriately and this is not a legitimate approach to handling animals," Torres said.
On Aug. 19, officers again encountered Herbert, this time with a Chihuahua mix named Baby Girl. Police said officers noticed Baby Girl showed signs of drug abuse.
That same day, officers rescued Vada near East Fern and North Maroa avenues after they saw a man identified as Noah Garcia give the dog Narcan and CPR. Both Baby Girl and Vada were both taken to a veterinarian.
"It's really important that people take care of their animals and they do not use them for whatever reasons they were being used," Torres said.
The Fresno Animal Center is now focused on improving the dogs' quality of life as they recover.
"They're a bit shy and a little nervous. It's been a little bit hard to get them to open up and interact with staff," Torres said.
Police arrested Garcia on trespassing and felony animal abuse.
Herbert was booked into the Fresno County Jail on several charges, including animal abuse and drug possession. Fresno police said the District Attorney's Office has filed charges against Herbert.
The three dogs remain in the care of the Fresno Animal Center as they continue their recovery.
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