Winton, CA (January 13, 2026) — A Winton man has been arrested following an investigation into an alleged incident in which a dog was shot and killed and the animal’s owner was reportedly forced to bury it while being threatened with a firearm.
According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Services investigators received a report on Monday regarding suspected animal cruelty at a residence on the 6500 block of Nicholas Drive in Winton. The reporting party told investigators that a friend shot the dog multiple times, then pointed a handgun at him and ordered him to bury the dog in a shallow grave.
Deputies identified the suspect as James Charles Morales, 57, of Winton. Investigators stated that the incident allegedly began during what appeared to be joking between the two individuals before the situation escalated. Authorities say Morales threatened to shoot the dog and then followed through, before forcing the victim to dispose of the animal at gunpoint.
Deputies later conducted a traffic stop on Morales after he was seen leaving the residence. A search warrant was subsequently served at the property, where investigators reported finding multiple spent 9mm shell casings in the backyard, a 9mm handgun inside the home, and the remains of a dog buried along the side of the residence.
Morales was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of animal cruelty, kidnapping, assault with a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the dog’s remains were recovered and a necropsy is expected to be conducted as part of the investigation. The case remains under review, and no additional details have been released at this time.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
