Suspect arrested after malnourished dogs found in Riverside County home
A suspect was arrested for animal cruelty after 10 malnourished dogs were discovered at a home in Corona.
On March 3, Corona police and animal control officers responded to reports of dogs who appeared to require medical attention at a home on East Grand Boulevard.
Officers located several dogs on the property. Many appeared to be injured and in need of immediate medical care. No water or food was found nearby.
Authorities contacted the dogs’ owner, Joseph Frausto, 34, by phone. Frausto claimed a family member was supposed to be caring for the dogs.
Officers transported 10 Mastiff breed dogs to a local veterinarian. Two of the dogs were in such poor health that they required euthanization, police said.
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Ten Mastiff breed dogs were transported to a local veterinarian on March 3 2025. Two of the dogs were found in such poor health that they required euthanization. (Corona Police Department) -
Ten Mastiff breed dogs were transported to a local veterinarian on March 3 2025. Two of the dogs were found in such poor health that they required euthanization. (Corona Police Department) -
Ten Mastiff breed dogs were transported to a local veterinarian on March 3 2025. Two of the dogs were found in such poor health that they required euthanization. (Corona Police Department) -
Ten Mastiff breed dogs were transported to a local veterinarian on March 3 2025. Two of the dogs were found in such poor health that they required euthanization. (Corona Police Department)
Police discovered that Frausto was a convicted felon and was on probation in Los Angeles County for reckless evading. Ammunition was also found at the home which Frausto cannot possess due to his status as a convicted felon, police said.
On March 19, detectives located Frausto leaving his home. He was arrested for animal cruelty and illegal possession of live ammunition and was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center.
Police said the veterinary expenses for the rescued dogs were largely covered by donations from community members.
More information about the rescued dogs can be found online here or by calling the Corona Animal Shelter at 951-736-2309.