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Animal Services won't file criminal charges against owner of dogs in woman's death

An authority with the San Diego County Dept. of Animal Services has said his agency will not file any criminal charges against the owners of a group of dogs involved in Fallbrook woman’s death on Nov. 11, 2012.

Lt. Harold Holmes said Jan. 11 that as a result of the investigation into the incident that claimed the life of 30-year-old Remedios Romero-Solares, “It appears that this was a very tragic accident and as such no criminal charges are being filed by the department.”

However, Holmes said five of the eight dogs at the scene of the incident have now been euthanized by the department. The future of the three remaining dogs, one adult canine and two puppies is still under consideration.

“The owner voluntary relinquished the dogs,” said Holmes. “It was determined that the three remaining dogs were not involved in the incident regarding the woman. They are currently being treated for skin conditions and then they will be evaluated for possible placement through a rescue agency.”

Romero-Solares, 30, worked as a housekeeper/housesitter, and it is believed she was trying to break up a fight between some of the dogs by spraying them with water from a garden hose when she was attacked. The woman had reportedly been housesitting for the occupants/dog owners while they were out of town.

The incident took place at a residential property located in the 1300 block of Calle Tecolotlan (off Reche Road). County records show the property owners as Jose Hernandez and Guillermina Hernandez of Fallbrook. The people occupying the property, however, were said to be the couple’s son and daughter-in-law, Edgar Hernandez and his wife, Evelyn Kaiwi-Hernandez.

Officials said the dogs involved in the incident were “mixed breed” bull dogs, all of which were impounded by County Animal Services immediately following the discovery of the woman’s body. Their individual weight was close to or just greater than 100 lbs each.

Based on the result of an autopsy on Romero-Solares’ body, the San Diego County Medical Examiner said the cause of her death was “accidental,” and cited “multiple, penetrating, mauling, and blunt force injuries.”

In a telephone interview Jan. 11, Holmes also confirmed that the owners of the dogs were not in possession of a kennel license for the property. Acquaintances of the couple have told this newspaper that the couple sold “dozens of puppies online for upwards of $2,500 per dog due to their potential size and power as adults.” They also said many of the puppies were “aggressive and difficult

to handle.”

When Sheriff’s deputies were in the process of securing the scene where the woman died, some 24 marijuana plants were discovered being grown inside the home on the property.

The investigation into the marijuana operation is being handled by the Sheriff’s Dept.’s Narcotics Task Force, who seized the plants. It is not known at this time whether any charges have been filed relating to the marijuana grow by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office.

 

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