California Mayor Avoids Jail Time In Animal Cruelty Case

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MAYWOOD, Calif. (AP) - The mayor of the Southern California city of Maywood has been sentenced to community service after being convicted of animal cruelty for failing to care for his gravely ill dog.

A judge on Wednesday also ordered Ramon Mojarro to attend animal care classes.

Mojarro was found guilty in August. Los Angeles County prosecutors said his pit bull mix was suffering from a chronic illness but hadn't been taken to a veterinarian for a long time.

Prosecutors said the dog was emaciated, couldn't walk or eat and had to be euthanized in 2015. Mojarro wasn't mayor at the time.

He later claimed the dog didn't belong to him, although he kept it at his auto shop.

His attorney tells the Los Angeles Times that Mojarro plans to appeal.