Hundreds call for animal abuse charges after puppy found with muzzle bound shut

FRESNO, Calif. -- Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for the maximum punishment against a woman accused of animal abuse.

Madera Police say Ana Zarco turned over a small dog, now known as Harry, to the local animal shelter on June 16th. His muzzle was wrapped with rubber bands that cut into his skin. He was thirsty, starving, and needed 50 stitches to repair the damage.

Zarco claimed she had found the dog in a local park, but investigators recently determined she had him for two months. They say one of her young children was to blame for the rubber bands.

The Madera Police Department is now requesting animal abuse and neglect charges against Zarco. More than 975 people have signed a petition through Change.org. It's set to be delivered to Madera County officials on Monday.