Man beats dog with wooden weapon in Visalia, police say

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A man was arrested after allegedly beating a dog with a wooden weapon in Visalia, the Visalia Police Department said.

Officers say they responded to a report of animal abuse in the 300 block of NE 2nd Street at 3 p.m. Friday.

Upon arrival, responding officers say they were shown a video of 29-year-old Gerardo Angel Guzman beating his dog with a wooden weapon.

Officers say when they attempted to contact Guzman, he barricaded himself inside his home and made threats toward them. Guzman exited the home to assault officers but was subdued and taken into custody with the use of less-lethal force.

According to the police department, Guzman was taken to Kaweah Health for medical clearance and will be booked at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility on suspicion of resisting, delaying or obstructing an office by force or threat of force, animal cruelty and battery on a peace officer.

Officers add Animal Control took custody of the dog, which had minor injuries.