Man Masquerading As Vet Accused Of Mutilating Dogs

SALINAS, Calif. (AP) - Authorities are searching for a Salinas man accused of mutilating dogs while masquerading as a licensed veterinarian.

Salinas police and officers from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals served a search warrant at the home of Damian Maldonado on Thursday.

SPCA officials say Maldonado was masquerading as a veterinarian when he was paid to perform "ear cropping" and "tail docking" procedures on several Salinas-area dogs. Officials say the procedures were done incorrectly and performed at owners' homes.

SPCA executive director Gary Tiscornia says Maldonado was not home at the time and it's not clear what evidence was found during the search.

The society is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Maldonado.