Deputies assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station responded Monday to the 23200 block of West Avenue D in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles outside of Lancaster. Deputies responded to a call for service regarding a person possibly abusing an animal.

Deputies immediately began an investigation, contacting various people in the area. This ultimately led deputies to a residence. An injured dog could be seen through a window. Deputies contacted the resident and continued the investigation. The dog, a small sized, possible pit bull mix, was located inside the residence. Upon discovery it appeared that the dog was hardly able to move and was suffering from serious injuries to its head and eyes.

An officer with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control responded to the location, and together the deputies and the Animal Control Officer recused the dog. The dog was removed from the location and transported for medical treatment.

Deputies conducted an interview with the suspect, and ultimately arrested Desiree Martinez, a 43-year-old female, on a felony animal cruelty charge. Deputies determined the dog belonged to the suspect.

The suspect is being held at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station in lieu of $20,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear in North Valley Superior Court in San Fernando on Thursday.

The condition of the dog is unknown at this time. No further information is available at this time as this is currently still an active investigation.