Arrest made in torture of two huskies, disappearance of third dog in Oceanside

San Diego —  A 36-year-old Navy veteran has been arrested in Oceanside in connection with the torture of two huskies and the disappearance of another dog that police said was the victim of a violent assault.

David Herbert was taken into custody Wednesday at his home, Oceanside police said. He is accused in the torture of two huskies named Estrella and Cocayo, who were brutally attacked April 28 in their owners’ home on the same street where Herbert lives.

One of the dogs had its eye gouged out and the other was forced to drink a caustic liquid. The family was not home during the attack. The dogs have since recovered.

The family, whose car tires were also slashed, moved out right after the assault.

A new family moved into the house, and on May 30 reported that both of their dogs were missing. One of the animals returned home but the other, a golden retriever mix named Lala, did not.

Police said they believe Herbert took the dog from the family’s home and subjected her to a “violent assault which caused injury.”

Investigators searched Herbert’s home in July and executed another warrant Wednesday. He was arrested without incident, officials said, and was booked into jail on several charges — including animal abuse, using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony, residential burglary, vandalism and petty theft.

If convicted, he could spend 16 years in prison, police said.

Herbert served six years in the Navy and received an honorable discharge. Police have not disclosed a motive for the crimes.

debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com

Baker writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune

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