An Orcutt man has been charged with animal cruelty related to a family dog, with court documents detailing the disturbing allegations that he cut and cooked the pet.

At approximately 3:31 p.m. April 18, deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 500 block of Lakeview Road, according to public information officer Raquel Zick.

After determining that an animal had been abused, deputies detained Justo Alejandro Buenrostro, 37, without incident.

“During a search of the property, deputies located evidence indicating that a family dog had been killed,” Zick said. “Animal Control officers responded to the scene, conducted an investigation and took possession of the remains.”

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint with one count of cruelty to an animal contending that Buenrostro “did maliciously and intentionally maim, mutilate, torture and wound a living animal, to wit: Coco the dog.”

The criminal complaint also included a sentencing enhancement for use of a deadly weapon, identified as a knife. 

The arrest led to an emergency protective order to keep the defendant 150 yards away from adults and children at the home plus orders for him to move from the residence. 

The protective order spells out some details of the horrific accusation. 

“The restrained person butchered and cooked the family dog and actively continued to do so when family found out and LE (law enforcement) arrived,” the order said, adding that those named feared for their lives and safety.

Buenrostro has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court May 21, when the attorneys and judge may set a date for preliminary hearing. 

As of Monday, he remained in the custody of the Northern Branch Jail with bail set at $100,000.