Turlock man convicted in beating death of 8-week-old puppy
A Stanislaus County jury has convicted a 52-year-old Turlock man of felony animal cruelty in the beating death of an 8-week-old puppy inside his apartment.
Jurors found Ronald Lee Moore Jr. guilty Feb. 16 of animal cruelty, following a three-day trial before Judge Valli Israels in Department 5.
The case stemmed from a Nov. 16, 2025, incident at the Palms Apartments in Turlock.
Prosecutors alleged Moore beat a pit bull-mix puppy after becoming upset that the dog had defecated inside the apartment. Neighbors called 911 reporting they heard loud “thumping” noises and a dog yelping from inside Moore’s unit.
During the trial, jurors heard testimony from a 911 dispatcher, Turlock police officers, an animal control supervisor and a veterinarian.
According to court records, Moore admitted to hitting the puppy multiple times. A veterinarian determined the puppy died from severe blunt force trauma consistent with being beaten.
After deliberations, jurors returned a guilty verdict on the sole felony count.
Prosecutors allege Moore has prior strike convictions in San Joaquin County, including first-degree burglary and criminal threats. Court filings also note he has previously served a prison term and performed unsatisfactorily on probation or parole.
Moore was held on $250,000 bail during trial. Following the verdict, he was remanded into custody with no bail.
He is scheduled to return to court March 2 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 5 for a court trial on the prior conviction and aggravation allegations, which could increase his sentence. He faces up to six years in state prison.
