A Winton man was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing his dog, then forcing another person at gunpoint to bury the animal, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.

Animal Services received a report Monday of an animal cruelty incident that occurred at a residence in Winton. The reporting party told deputies a friend shot his dog multiple times and then threatened him with a handgun, forcing him to bury the dog.

Investigators identified the suspect as James Charles Morales, 57, of Winton. Deputies said the incident began during what initially appeared to be joking between the two individuals, before Morales allegedly became upset, produced a handgun and threatened to shoot the dog.

Morales allegedly shot the dog multiple times, killing it, then pointed the handgun at the victim and forced him to bury the animal, deputies said.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for a home in the 6500 block of Nicholas Drive. Morales was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop after he was seen leaving the residence, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the search, deputies found multiple spent 9mm cartridge casings in the backyard, a 9mm handgun inside the residence, and the remains of a recently deceased dog buried in a shallow grave on the side of the home.

The dog’s remains were recovered and transported to the animal shelter, where a necropsy will be conducted at a later date, authorities said.

Morales was booked into the Merced County Jail on charges of animal cruelty, kidnapping, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and assault with a firearm.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7445.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.