CASE OF INTEREST

Date: July 9, 2003
Case: Animal Cruelty, People v. Randy Thomas Neal, #03F03796
Contact: Lani Biafore, Deputy District Attorney, Superior Court Review Team, (916) 874-8848

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today the sentencing of Randy Thomas Neal for felony animal cruelty. On July 9, 2003, the Honorable Judge Jane Ure sentenced the defendant to 120 days in jail and four years formal felony probation. She also ordered the defendant to participate in professional counseling and an alcohol rehabilitation program.

On or about February 22, 2003, the defendant removed two domesticated ducks from the front yard of a residence in Fair Oaks. The owner of the pet ducks noticed her pets missing and a neighborhood search revealed the mutilated bodies of the ducks. One duck was located at a nearby school. The head, wings, and legs were severed from its body. Beer cans and a serrated knife were located nearby. The second duck was stabbed in the breast and was stuffed into a neighborhood mailbox.

The West Fair Oaks Neighborhood Watch group was instrumental in gathering evidence and locating the suspect in the matter. The defendant ultimately confessed to the mutilation of the ducks and expressed his apologies via a written statement on March 6, 2003.

Deputy District Attorney Lani Biafore stated, "This is truly a bizarre incident of animal cruelty that reflects a high level of callousness and an utter disrespect for animals and property."

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