BANNING, California – A 34-year-old woman, Natasha Amber Serrano, has been charged with felony animal cruelty after allegedly stabbing her family’s dog in Banning and then fleeing to another city. Serrano was taken into custody and booked into the Smith Correctional Facility following an investigation by the Banning Police Department.
In addition to the animal cruelty charge, Serrano also faces a sentence-enhancing allegation of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony and probation violations. She is being held on $10,000 bail and was scheduled to make her initial court appearance at the Banning Justice Center.
The incident occurred on Sunday at Serrano’s family home on West Gilman Street, where she allegedly turned violent and attacked the canine with a knife, inflicting wounds. After stabbing the dog, Serrano fled the location in her vehicle, prompting a be-on-the-lookout alert to local law enforcement agencies.
Ontario police officers spotted Serrano driving through the city and detained her without incident. She was then turned over to Banning police officers for booking. The dog was taken to a veterinarian for treatment, and the severity of the stab wounds was unclear.
Serrano has prior convictions for battery on a domestic partner and receiving stolen property, according to court records. The details of the previous convictions were not provided.
As the case unfolds, the community is left to wonder about the motive behind the alarming incident and the well-being of the injured dog. The upcoming court appearance will shed more light on the situation and what consequences Serrano may face if convicted of the charges.
In the meantime, the Banning Police Department continues to investigate the case and ensure that justice is served for the innocent animal that was harmed.