Guam – The man charged with animal cruelty will be able to wait for his case to proceed from the comforts of his home, on the condition that he does not have any contact with domesticated pets.
Melchor Antolin has been released on a $5,000 unsecured bond. This means he does not need to post any money to the court for his release.
Antolin was handed down an indictment after it was discovered that he allegedly repeatedly ignored Guam Animal Control’s instruction that his dog Thor needed immediate medical attention for a basketball sized tumor growth on his leg.
“Thor suffered through extreme pain, his tumor was growing for months, and weighed about 15 pounds. Every time he moved, his skin would tear,” said Cyrus Luhr, Guam Animals In Need president in a statement. Sadly, Thor had to be euthanized due to his condition.
But efforts to bring Antolin to justice have just begun. Today he appeared to answer to the charges against him, but with no defense attorney present, the hearing has been rescheduled.
It was noted, however, that Antolin is employed. It now appears that he had enough money or assets to provide the treatment necessary for Thor.
“So I have been handed a financial declaration which you signed. It indicates that you make $32 an hour,” said Judge Benjamin Sison.
“I just started that job, your honor,” noted Antolin.
“I see other assets. You do not qualify for a free and public attorney. So you will have to attain your own attorney,” Sison told Antolin.
Antolin is the first person on Guam to be charged with animal cruelty as a felony. He is facing charges of first degree animal cruelty as a third degree felony, and one count of animal abandonment as a petty misdemeanor.
His arraignment hearing has been continued to September 12.
