Fake Vet Sought For Botched Puppy Surgeries In Monterey County

MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) -- The Monterey County SPCA is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man suspected of mutilating three pit bull puppies while posing as a licensed veterinarian.

   The SPCA announced the reward Tuesday and says it continues to treat two of the 14-week-old dogs for their infected wounds.

   The organization rescued the animals Friday after they underwent ear-cropping surgery, in which part of the ear is removed so the remainder stands erect.

   The SPCA has identified the man who administered the procedures as Damian Maldonado. It says he set up a makeshift table in the dog owner's backyard and used fishing line as suture material.

   The SPCA says Maldonado does not have the veterinary license required to perform ear-cropping.

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