Advertisement

Man denies setting out poisonous meatballs

Share

A Ramona man denied charges at his arraignment Aug. 18 that he set out poisonous meatballs in a public area for dogs near his home. He also pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty and exposing an animal to poison.

Gerald Francis Parry, 47, was released on his own recognizance by El Cajon Superior Court Judge Charles Ervin, who ordered him to appear Sept. 29 for a preliminary hearing. The charges of animal cruelty and knowingly setting out a hazardous substance on a public road are felonies, while the charge of exposing an animal to poison is a misdemeanor.

Parry was arrested May 21 by sheriff’s deputies after they received a 3:30 p.m. call to Parry’s apartment in the 120 block of Ramona Street. Parry was reportedly upset that the manager told him he had too many cats, and he reportedly said the landlord should enforce rules about tenants with large dogs.

Parry is accused of lacing meatballs with rat poison and leaving them along a dog path near the complex. It is not believed that any animal consumed the meatballs, as they were picked up by deputies and their contents were analyzed.

Parry was released from jail after no charges were filed in 72 hours, but the District Attorney’s office filed charges on Aug. 3.

Advertisement

At a time when local news is more important than ever, support from our readers is essential. If you are able to, please support the Ramona Sentinel today.