EL Dorado County woman sentenced to 90 days in jail and community service in animal cruelty case
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 1:58pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – El Dorado County resident Sandra Tidwell pled guilty to felony animal cruelty charges and was sentenced this week to 90 days in jail and 250 hours of community service.
When a search warrant was served on the 50-year-old's home in El Dorado Hills in July 2022, animal services officers found 25 German Shepherd and Husky breed dogs living in deplorable conditions, including 15 adult dogs and ten puppies at Tidwell’s property where she was illegally keeping the animals inside her 1,200 square foot home.
“Feces and urine were evident throughout the entire residence, and several of the dogs were confined to crates or areas of the home laden with feces and urine, where the dogs were unable to get out of their own waste,” said El Dorado County Animal Services Chief Henry Brzezinski. “Several of the dogs were also malnourished, loaded with parasites, suffering with dirty matted fur and overgrown nails, and showed signs of injury due to literally fighting with the other dogs in the room for food.”
The neglected animals involved were removed by El Dorado County Animal Services and given shelter and needed medical care. Once the dogs have been cleared by the animal services’ veterinarian and are ready for adoption, pictures and information will be posted to the agency's website.
“No animal should have to endure what these poor dogs endured,” said Brzezinski. “Thankfully, we were able to intervene on their behalf, assist them, and bring resolution to this case.”
Tidwell, who claimed to be a legitimate animal rescue group that she called Sierra Nevada German Shepherd Rescue, was conducting her operations illegally and without a license.
“In addition, and as part of her sentencing, she will be unable to possess any animals for ten years, and she cannot be involved with any animal welfare group including 501(c)3’s,” said investigating Animal Services Officer Jessica Rorick. “Tidwell has relinquished ownership of the animals who have been cared for at Animal Services since July 2022 and must pay restitution for the cost of that care. This includes the cost of the medical care for the animals.”
Tidwell will also be subject to search and seizure terms, must complete counseling, and notify Animal Services within 48 hours of any change of address.
“These poor dogs suffered at the hands of this individual,” said Brzezinski. “Calling herself a rescue was a disgrace. Thankfully, she will no longer have animals in her possession. A special thanks goes to District Attorney Vern Pierson and Deputy District Attorney Ryan Whyte for their support and prosecution of this case."