Irvine resident arrested on felony animal cruelty charges

The Irvine Police Department (IPD) arrested Irvine resident Gabriela Barrera for felony animal abuse charges.

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, a concerned resident called IPD after hearing dogs whimpering on the patio of a home on Eastshore. The resident also observed multiple dogs with their snouts taped closed.

Irvine Police Department Animal Services Officers arrived at the location and observed one dog with masking tape wrapped around its snout while it was on the outside patio. They also heard whimpering from the same area and were concerned there were other dogs in the same condition.

As officers were conducting their investigation, 21-year-old Gabriela Barrera arrived home. She admitted to taping the dogs’ snouts closed to keep them from barking and nipping at the other dogs. A consent search of the residence revealed a total of seven dogs: three adult females, two adult males, a female puppy, and a male puppy. The dogs appear to be Husky or Husky/German Shepherd mixed breed.

Three of the dogs with their snouts taped closed belonged to Barrera. It is estimated the tape was around the dogs’ snouts for over two hours. Contractor grade masking tape was found in the residence consistent with the tape wrapped around the dogs’ snouts.

Barrera was arrested for three counts of felony animal cruelty and transported to Orange County Jail.
All seven dogs were confiscated from the residence. They received a wellness check by a veterinarian and appear to be in otherwise good condition. Due to the ongoing investigation, the dogs will be held until the case is adjudicated.

If you have any other information related to this incident, please contact Animal Services Officer Al Gonzalez at 949-724-7087.