Calexico man pleads not guilty to animal cruelty

A Calexico man arrested for beating his dog with a golf club made his first appearance in court today.

Local animal advocates were present at the hearing to show support for the dog.

David Aceves Jr., pleaded not guilty on charges of animal cruelty.

Aceves was arrested in early June after the Calexico Police Department received a phone call regarding a man abusing his dog.

When police arrived to Aceves’s home, his dog was in bad shape and in need of medical attention.

According to Calexico police, Aceves admitted to striking his dog.

Police say Aceves had a golf club right next to him when they arrived at the scene.

“We have to be a voice for the animal,” said Mikey Garcia, Animal Justice Advocate member.

Local animal advocates say animal abuse can be a gateway to human abuse.

” Crimes against the animal isn’t just a crime against an animal, it’s a crime against society. A lot of people who are harming animals, abusing animals there is usually abuse in the home. They depend on us humans to take care of them, we have to be the voice for the animals, ” said Garcia.

Thankfully the dog survived the attack and is in stable condition at an animal shelter in Calexico .

“It’s so overwhelming and it’s sad because they are here to love, they give love, and get love and it’s very important because these animals don’t have a voice,” said Tyler Hansert , Animal Justice Advocate member.

“The judge sees our face, the judge sees all of our faces, so he knows that there’s people who care about these animals,” said Hansert .

Aceves is also facing charges for being in possession of drugs in jail and for violating his probation.

Aceves is expected back in court next Wednesday, June 26, at 9:00 a.m.