FRESNO (KMj) — A Central Valley MMA fighter has pleaded not guilty to a felony animal cruelty charge.
Fidel Manzano was alleged to have repeatedly hit a one year old dog, resulting in numerous injuries including partial blindness and a broken jaw.
Inside the courtroom, it was decided that the 35 year old will be released on a pre-trial release program, ahead of his next court date early 2016.
Kingsburg Police say Fidel Manzano arrived home intoxicated around 2 am and started to beat his dog after it was crying and making noise. Officers say the beating lasted for about two hours until the animal stopped crying.
His attorney explained to the court that he had no felony criminal history. But the people revealed that Manzano’s family were afraid of him, and they objected to him being released if he was going to return home. Judge Brian Alvarez allowed him to return home, on the condition that he won’t be allowed to have any pets.
“He does work full time to help support himself and his family”, explains his attorney Henry Campa.
“He will not be allowed to be in possession of any animals until the case is settled and resolved. He does not have bail, and he’s doing everything he can to move forward”.
Manzano’s next appearance in court is scheduled for January 13th. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of three years in local custody.
