ANZA (CBS) ―
A 64-year-old Anza man is in custody after being accused of decapitating a horse with a chainsaw and lying to authorities about the animal's demise.
Jack Mark Ziniuk is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center on a felony charge of animal cruelty, according to officials.
Ziniuk was arrested at his home about 8 a.m. Sunday by sheriff's deputies investigating a report of dogs attacking a horse, according to Sgt. Bill Roach.
Ziniuk reportedly made the report and said dogs injured the horse which needed to be euthanized.
Investigators determined the horse's injuries were not consistent with a dog attack and Animal Control later allegedly confirmed the investigator's suspicions.
It was determined, according to Roach, that the horse was struck in the head -- several times -- with a sledgehammer before being decapitated with the chainsaw.
The equine head was found in a dog run. Animal Control deducted Ziniuk was going to use the head for food for the dogs.
Roach said Ziniuk has been cited several times for failing to get his animals vaccinated and for other kennel violations.
Ziniuk, according to court records, is also being held on a suspicion of defying a court order and failure to appear.
Bail was set for $6,321 and arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday.
A 64-year-old Anza man is in custody after being accused of decapitating a horse with a chainsaw and lying to authorities about the animal's demise.
Jack Mark Ziniuk is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center on a felony charge of animal cruelty, according to officials.
Ziniuk was arrested at his home about 8 a.m. Sunday by sheriff's deputies investigating a report of dogs attacking a horse, according to Sgt. Bill Roach.
Ziniuk reportedly made the report and said dogs injured the horse which needed to be euthanized.
Investigators determined the horse's injuries were not consistent with a dog attack and Animal Control later allegedly confirmed the investigator's suspicions.
It was determined, according to Roach, that the horse was struck in the head -- several times -- with a sledgehammer before being decapitated with the chainsaw.
The equine head was found in a dog run. Animal Control deducted Ziniuk was going to use the head for food for the dogs.
Roach said Ziniuk has been cited several times for failing to get his animals vaccinated and for other kennel violations.
Ziniuk, according to court records, is also being held on a suspicion of defying a court order and failure to appear.
Bail was set for $6,321 and arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday.
