New beginnings for Fontana dog that tested positive for meth

Update 7/14/16:

Jack Sparrow, a chihuahua that ingested methamphetamine allegedly left around the house by his owner, is recovering in a foster home in the Inland Empire. The dog was moved from the animal hospital where it was receiving treatment on Tuesday.

Fontana Animal Services Officer Jamie Simmons says people from all over the country called to inquire about adopting Jack Sparrow, and one person even offered to pay for the dog’s vet bills.

“Hearts are being tugged because of what he’s gone through,” says Simmons.

She says the dog will need follow up care, but spent much of the early part of the week getting cleaned up. He was flea infested, and his coat was soaked in urine. She said his nails were overgrown to the point where it was hard for him to walk.

“Special plans are in store for Jack now,” Simmons added.

The woman who is currently fostering Jack works in a drug rehabilitation facility, says Claudia Swing, Chief of the Bureau of Administration for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office. “(She) will work with Jack Sparrow and use him as a therapy and comfort dog for patients at a rehab center. This really has come full circle and will help so many,” says Swing.

Jack’s former owner, Isaiah Sais pleaded not guilty to animal abuse charges, and will return to court for a preliminary hearing on July 21.

Original Story:

Police have arrested a 21-year-old Southern California man on animal cruelty charges after his pet Chihuahua tested positive for the drug methamphetamine.

The owner, Isaiah Nathaniel Sais of Fontana, is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $50,000 bail.

Veterinarians say the Chihuahua was suffering from convulsions and seizures when Sais brought him to the emergency center in Upland on July 5.

Fontana Police say Sais told them the dog may have ingested methamphetamine after finding it in his house. Officials say that when the dog tested positive, Sais left the building with it, declining the veterinarian’s request to treat it.

On arrival, the dog was in danger of dying, suffering from convulsions, seizures and an irregular heartbeat, veterinarian Dr. Allison Pope said.

Fontana Animal Services went to Sais’s house shortly after he left and seized the animal, which was still suffering and showing other signs of neglect.

“There was the smell of urine in his fur and his nails were over-grown,” Jamie Simmons from Fontana Animal Services said, adding that Jack may have been kept indoors for months.

The Chihuahua, named Jack Sparrow, is currently recovering at an animal hospital.

Sais has an unlisted phone number and it is unclear whether he has an attorney.

The case was immediately submitted to the San Bernardino Animal Cruelty Task Force and an arrest warrant issued for the owner.

“We don’t know exactly how the dog ingested the meth, but it’s reasonable to assume that it could have been accessible to children,” Simmons said.

The dog remains in a stable condition at the Inland Valley Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center and is expected to be transferred into a temporary foster home in the next few days.

Fontana police say Jack continues to be hypersensitive to noise, and sudden movement, but he is eventually expected to recover.

Jail records show Sais was expected to be arraigned on July 11.