California man accused of killing 80 animals in three-hour shooting spree

A 39-year-old man from Salinas, Vicente Joseph Arroyo, has been arrested for allegedly killing over 80 farm animals in a violent spree lasting around three hours. According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the attack, which took place in the Prunedale area of California early Tuesday morning, targeted miniature horses, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, and various birds.

Authorities discovered Arroyo in a vineyard near Lemus Farm on Avery Lane, close to a vehicle that appeared to have crashed in a heavily overgrown area. Police heard gunshots upon arrival, and Arroyo, who lived on the property but was not employed there, was taken into custody, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.

The surviving animals were taken by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), but due to the severity of their injuries, they had to be euthanized, according to police statements.

Cmdr. Andres Rosas, a spokesperson for the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, expressed disbelief at the brutality, stating, “In my 24 years of law enforcement, I’ve never witnessed anything like this. These animals are like family to many, and to have them taken in such a way is devastating.”

Arroyo was initially given a $50,000 bail, but investigators later sought to increase it to $1 million. A search of his home led to the discovery of multiple firearms and approximately 2,000 rounds of ammunition, according to The LA Times.

He is currently being held in Monterey County Jail on charges including animal cruelty and illegal possession of an assault weapon.

Beth Brookhouser, a representative from SPCA Monterey County, called the incident “heartbreaking,” stating that most of the animals were found dead, except for five severely injured parakeets that were euthanized to end their suffering.

Although Arroyo’s motive remains unclear, authorities believe he used a variety of weapons, including shotguns, long rifles, handguns, and an illegal assault weapon, along with several loaded and empty magazines. A temporary five-mile shelter-in-place order was enforced as police responded to multiple calls from concerned residents.

The date for Arroyo’s court appearance has not yet been announced.