Concord man found with 10 dogs in wire crates, one dead arrested for felony animal cruelty

By Concord Police Department

On Thursday, a concerned community member called the Concord Police Department reporting that there were three or four dogs “going crazy” inside of a travel trailer that was parked on the street. When Officers arrived on scene, they saw a small dog standing inside by the open trailer door. The dog was barking, panting heavily, and its fur appeared matted and wet. From outside, the officer was able to see that the trailer was filthy and stacked with various items that were almost touching the ceiling in some places.

Shortly after arriving on scene, Officers were able to find the registered owner of the trailer, Jeremiah Weberling, who admitted the dogs belonged to him and that he used the trailer as a mobile “dog house.” Concerned for the well-being of the other dogs inside, an officer stepped in the trailer and saw five more dogs in wire crates. None of the pups appeared to have any water or food and looked to be in poor health. The condition of the trailer was so bad that the officer was only able to take a couple steps before having to go back outside. After seeing the poor condition of the trailer and the dogs, the investigating Officer placed Weberling under arrest for animal cruelty and requested Contra Costa County Animal Services respond to the scene.

Animal Services arrived at the location and a total of ten dogs were found; one of whom was dead. Since all of the other nine dogs were in such poor health, Animal Control brought them to a local emergency vet for treatment. Unfortunately, two of the dogs were so sick and injured they had to be euthanized; the remaining seven are expected to survive.

We know that these cases are extremely sad and difficult to even read. This is a reminder that animal abuse is a very serious crime. Today, the District Attorney’s Office filed ten charges of felony animal cruelty against Weberling and he will remain in jail on a $100,000 bail. There is no word yet on if or when the other seven dogs can be adopted, but we will let you know as soon as we hear.