LAKEPORT >> Clearlake resident James Harley Thomas Miranda was in custody and appeared at the Lake County Superior Court with his Defense Attorney Anakalia Sullivan. He entered a plea of not guilty to all counts.
Miranda has been charged with a felony count of cruelty to animals and being under the influence of a controlled substance. The charges are a result of an incident last month when Miranda was arrested for felony animal abuse after a report that his canine was found dead on the shoulder of Highway 53.
Miranda allegedly tied the dog’s mouth shut. He told arresting officers the dog had snapped at him. Miranda also reportedly leashed the dog to a loaded dolly.
Clearlake Animal Control Officer Melinda Wymer who examined the dog, identified as “Coco,” confirmed its mouth had been clamped shut and was secured to a loaded dolly with a homemade leash.
The incident gathered a great deal of attention on social media. Many residents were enraged after viewing an image passerby Steve Presley shared the dog still attached to the dolly.
During the recent hearing, the defense argued that Miranda should be released. Prosecuting attorneys countered by requesting bail.
After some consideration, the court reduced bail to the standard of $15,000.
Those in the audience reacted to the decision, causing the court to call for no further outbursts.