Atascadero woman takes plea deal for felony animal cruelty charges
Update posted Dec. 22
Suzanne Sollenne will have to complete probation, community service, attend counseling
Suzanne Sollenne.
–Suzanne Sollenne, an Atascadero woman who was charged with felony animal cruelty and misdemeanor failure to adequately care for an animal, pled no contest last week in court to two counts and will avoid jail time, according to reports.
A total of 46 dogs were confiscated from her home in August, and the decomposed remains of at least two others were found in a yard next to it, reports say.
Sollenne originally plead not guilty in September to three felony charges of cruelty to animals and 11 misdemeanor charges of failing to care for, or provide an exercise area for, an animal. Sollenne reportedly plead no contest to one of the felonies and one of the misdemeanor charges, and the remaining charges were dismissed.
Sollene will be required to complete five years of probation, perform 100 hours of community service, and attend counseling. She will not be allowed to own dogs or other pets during that time, reports say.
Original story posted Aug. 19
Atascadero woman arrested for keeping 44 dogs in her home
Conditions were reportedly unsanitary; many dogs needed medical care
–On Thursday, the San Luis Obispo County Division of Animal Services, assisted by the Atascadero Police Department and members of the Bakersfield Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals served a search warrant at 7461 Bella Vista Road in Atascadero. This warrant service followed the receipt of credible information that the owner of the property, Suzanne Sollenne, was keeping a large number of dogs in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. Additionally, a number of dogs were reported to be in need of medical care and treatment.
Upon accessing the property officers found 6 dogs in outdoor yards and another 38 dogs living in unsanitary conditions inside of the home. Many of the dogs inside of the home were confined in wire crates, most without food or water. Additionally, the decomposing remains of at least two large dogs were found in a yard adjacent to the home.
Based on the unsanitary conditions, the lack of appropriate shelter, and the presence of several animals with untreated medical conditions, Animal Services seized all dogs on the property and Sollenne was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.
The animals seized from the property include a large variety of breeds; however, most were medium to large size dogs. One member of animal services’ response team was bitten and officers were required to tranquilize five large dogs in order capture, examine, and transport them.
Approximately half of the dogs seized from the property were found to have physical or medical conditions in need of treatment. Specifically, several of the dogs were observed to have untreated bite wounds. Other conditions found included dogs with eye injuries, chronic skin infections, dental disease and broken teeth, and neurologic problems.
The dogs were transported to the animal services shelter in San Luis Obispo where they will remain pending further evaluation and assessment. While many of the dogs appeared unsocialized, a more thorough appraisal of their temperament will be conducted once they have had an opportunity to acclimate to the shelter environment.
