'Most horrific animal cruelty case': 81 animals killed in three-hour shootout, suspect arrested

On the night of September 3, 2024, a 39-year-old man was arrested in northern California, United States, for killing 81 pets in three hours with firearms.

A Night of Horror. On the night of September 3, 2024, around 3:25 a.m., the Monterey County Sheriff's Office in the United States received several calls reporting gunshots, reports theAssociated Press.

“A Quite Traumatic Scene”

Once on the scene, the authorities arrested a man: Vicente Arroyo. The 39-year-old lived in a camper van not far from the crime scene.

He is suspected of shooting 81 animals: 33 parakeets and cockatiels, 14 goats, nine chickens, seven ducks, five rabbits and a guinea pig. He also allegedly killed two miniature horses and a pony.

Andres Rosas of the sheriff's office reports that he went there and it was a pretty traumatic scene. The suspect was slaughtering the animals when they arrived.

Charged with Dozens of Charges

The shooting spree lasted nearly three hours. Some animals survived, but due to their injuries, they had to be euthanized. The pets belonged to a person who rented the land. The miniature horse belonged to the owner.

Eight firearms were found in a wrecked van. Through searches of his RV, seven other weapons were seized, including an illegal AK-47 assault rifle and about 2,000 rounds of ammunition in various calibers.

Arroyo has been indicted on dozens of charges ranging from animal cruelty, illegal possession of an assault weapon, drug possession and criminal threats. He has pleaded not guilty.

His attorney, Mr. Pernik, said he was concerned about his client's mental health after speaking with his family. She had contacted several agencies for help, to no avail. The judge ordered the defendant to undergo a mental competency evaluation.

Berkley Brannon, the chief assistant district attorney, said: “This is obviously the most horrific animal cruelty case we have ever seen in this county, I am sure,”.