Firefighters located the dog inside of an overturned weighted down box in a room on the second floor of the residence. Firefighters also discovered the dog's muzzle and rear legs had been bound with rubber bands. Firefighters removed the dog from the residence and cut off the rubber bands. They provided the dog with water and called animal control. "Pooh" was transported to a local veterinarian where he was treated.
The Lompoc Police Department was contacted the following day regarding "Pooh." Detectives immediately began an Animal Cruelty investigation. Detectives began to gather their evidence and conduct their interviews. On 6-13-2017 Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Pooh's owner Edward Vantassel. On 6-14-2017 detectives arrested Edward Vantassel outside of the Animal Control building where he was at for a hearing on Pooh.
Edward Vantassel was arrested for his warrant for 597(A) PC Cruelty to an Animal, a felony. His bail is set at $100,000. Edward Vantassel was transported to the Lompoc Police Department where he was interviewed and booked. He was transported to the Santa Barbara County Jail.