Convicted Animal Cruelty Offender Accused Of Violating Probation In LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Investigators sought the public's help Thursday to locate a convicted animal cruelty offender who is believed to be in violation of his probation.

According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (scpaLA), Charles Ferguson was convicted of four felony and four misdemeanor animal cruelty counts in September 2013.

An inter-agency investigation first discovered decaying bodies of deceased dogs, which were located inside the compartments of Ferguson's transport trucks in Gardena.

Further investigation revealed evidence of horrible mistreatment that lead to the deaths of his dogs.

Ferguson was subsequently arrested in November 2012.

His sentence included probation under the conditions to not own, possess or maintain dogs.

Ferguson is accused of providing guard dogs to local businesses, which is in direct violation of his probation.

He has owned and operated several guard dog companies, such as J.R. Ewing Guard Dogs, Inc., Chuck Stewart, Charles Cox, and Reginald Morris.

Authorities suspect the incidents have occurred at construction sites, auto shops, malls, industrial facilities and manufacturing plants.

For more information contact spcaLA at (323) 730-5300, extension 252.

Anyone with information regarding Ferguson's whereabouts or guard dogs is urged to call the spcaLA Animal Cruelty Tipline at (800) 540-7722.