2 Men Charged With Cruelty to Animals

Two men who authorities said were operating an illegal rodeo in Saugus were charged Monday with felony cruelty to animals, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said.

Jose Aranda, 33, who operated the rodeo on Sundays at a ranch in San Francisquito Canyon, and Aucencio Guerrero, 38, a caretaker at the ranch, were charged with one count of animal cruelty, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Pamela Davis-Springer.

The rodeo was closed by sheriff’s deputies July 23 after they discovered it while investigating complaints about cars parked in the area, officials said. About 200 participants and spectators were dispersed by deputies. Neighbors said the Mexican-style rodeo had been taking place at the ranch on Sundays for about a year.

Aranda was cited for violating county codes by operating the rodeo without proper permits. County animal control officers also conducted an investigation after deputies noticed that several horses used in the rodeo had open wounds.

“The wounds were consistent with abuse,” Davis-Springer said. She said the horses had untended wounds on their mouths, backs and sides.

Aranda and Guerrero are scheduled to be arraigned today in Newhall Municipal Court. If convicted, each man could face up to three years in prison, Davis-Springer said.