James Miranda, charged with animal abuse and the use of methamphetamine, broke down momentarily during his first appearance in court on Thursday afternoon. About six people, including animal advocates from Clearlake, showed up in support of ‘Cocoa.’ Miranda allegedly muzzled the dog’s mouth and left it chained to a cart on the side of Highway 53, where the dog was found dead. Miranda’s bail has been set at $25,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 19 at 8:15 a.m. – TAMMY MURGA — LAke county publishing
