TURLOCK — A Stanislaus County jury has convicted Ronald Lee Moore Jr., 52, of Turlock, of animal cruelty in the beating death of an 8‑week‑old puppy, District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced.

Prosecutors said a hearing on allegations that Moore has at least two prior violent felony convictions is scheduled for March. If those allegations are found true, Moore faces up to six years in state prison under California law.

The conviction stems from a Nov. 16, 2025 incident at a Turlock apartment complex, where multiple neighbors called police reporting they could hear a puppy being abused or thrown against a wall. Turlock police officers responded to the unit and contacted Moore, who had received the puppy earlier that day.

Inside the apartment, officers found the puppy severely injured. It died before veterinary care could be provided. Moore told officers he became upset after the dog defecated in the apartment and admitted hitting it multiple times. A veterinarian later confirmed the puppy died from severe blunt force trauma consistent with being beaten.

After the investigation, officers arrested Moore on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Deputy District Attorney Tracy Griffin prosecuted the case. The Turlock Police Department conducted the investigation.