HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – March 8, 2024- Hollister Police Animal Care and Services received a report regarding SBC Pet-A-Palooza Rescue Inc., a local animal rescue organization that reportedly housed dozens of animals in unsanitary living conditions.
Animal Control Officers conducted an investigation into the allegations.
On March 7, 2024, Hollister Police Animal Care and Services along with the Hollister Police Department served a search warrant at a home located on the 700 block of El Toro which is a county address. Dozens of animals were discovered in deplorable conditions without food or water and housed with built up feces. SBC Pet-A-Palooza Rescue Inc Founders Richard Lopez (60 years old) and Susie Alarcon (59 years old), were arrested for felony animal cruelty, California Penal Code 597.
Animal Control Officers seized thirteen dogs from the property and have made arrangements with Hitchcock Road Animal Services, Red Dog Ranch Animal Rescue, Cat Crew California, Joybound, and other pending agencies with assistance in providing the necessary care and placement for approximately 200 remaining cats with extreme medical conditions on the property.
Hollister Police Animal Care and Services would like to remind the public that it is unlawful for any person having charge or custody of any animal, either as owner or otherwise, to subject any animal to needless suffering, inflict unnecessary cruelty upon an animal, or in any manner abuse an animal, or deprives an animal of necessary sustenance, drink, or shelter as it violates California PC 597. A violation of this subdivision is punishable as a felony by imprisonment, or by a fine of not more than twenty thousand dollars, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
