ROBINSON RANCHERIA — A resident of Robinson Rancheria reported to authorities Wednesday morning that she believed cats and dogs belonging to those recently evicted from the rancheria were killed and placed in a dumpster on the property.
Robinson Rancheria federally-commissioned Police Capt. John Irwin and Lake County Sheriff”s Office (LCSO) Capt. Chris Macedo interviewed neighbors and conducted a preliminary investigation at about 11:30 a.m., according to LCSO Public Information Officer Steve Brooks.
Some of the people who were recently evicted told Lake County Publishing last week that they had to leave pets behind.
Robinson Rancheria Housing Director Stephanie Rodriguez said on Wednesday that a cleaning crew located a cat last week among debris in the yard of one of the evicted residents. Documentation from the crew described the feline as “flat, dry and hard,” indicating it had been decomposing in the yard for an extended period of time.
Lake County Animal Care and Control Director Bill Davidson confirmed Wednesday that Robinson Rancheria representatives brought an abandoned border collie in on Tuesday. The dog suffered from cuts on its feet that Davidson said appeared to have been caused by foxtails. He said that no one has inquired about the dog or attempted to claim it. He said he is happy to assist tribal police in any follow-up of the situation upon request.
Rodriguez said there were no animals left in the units that were vacated, but there are feral or stray loose cats on the reservation that do not appear to belong to anybody. Attempts to contact the person alleged to have made the initial report went unanswered.
Les Marston, attorney for Robinson Rancheria said, “This is the reason why we had two deputy sheriffs out there for the eviction as a civil standby — as independent witnesses to observe everything and verify it was done in accordance with the law.”
Attorney Joseph Kitto, who represents those evicted, said “This is what happens when you show up at people”s homes without notice and make them leave immediately. The person believed to be the owner of the dog has a wife who is ill. She has Multiple Sclerosis. His first concern was for his wife”s health since she was suffering from health complications that morning.”
The dumpster allegedly used to dispose of animals will be inspected Thursday at the landfill at 1 p.m.
“Capt. John Irwin and Reserve Officer Frank Gudmundson will follow the disposal truck and photograph the contents of the dumpster,” Rodriguez said.
Supervisor Denise Rushing was out-of-town and asked Supervisor Rob Brown to look into the allegations. Brown contacted the LCSO and said at this time there was not evidence provided that animals were abused or killed.
