June 1, 2024 – Fresno County Sheriff’s Office officials report that Detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have placed animal cruelty charges on 48-year-old Joe Ontiveros of Fresno. He is currently in the Fresno County Jail with bail set at $292,500.

On March 22, 2024, Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a home on the 15000 block of E. Floral Ave. in Parlier regarding a report of animal abuse. The owner of the property reported someone tied a dog up to a fence on his property and shot it with a 9mm handgun. The dog was found severely injured. The homeowner had a security camera on his property that captured the entire animal abuse, which was later turned over to detectives. Officers with Fresno Humane Animal Services (FHAS) transported the dog, which underwent successful surgery.

During the investigation, detectives identified the shooting suspect as Joe Ontiveros. Ontiveros was already in custody at the Fresno County Jail due to Parlier Police arresting him in April for unrelated firearms charges. Once detectives established evidence against Ontiveros, additional charges of animal abuse were added to his record.

The dog has now made a full recovery and is available for adoption. If interested in adopting, contact FHAS by visiting its facility at 1510 West Dan Ronquillo Drive, Fresno, CA 93706, or email Info@fresnohumane.org.

Anyone with additional information about the suspect in this case is asked to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case # 24-3346.

Source & photos:  Fresno County Sheriff’s Office