Animal Cruelty arrests in the Lockwood Valley

Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release

On 4/7/21, deputies from the Lockwood Valley Station began an investigation into Marcus and Malcolm Beale’s involvement in animal cruelty allegedly occurring in the 16000 block of Chuchupate Trail in northern Ventura County. Based on the investigation, a search warrant was obtained to search the residence, investigate the allegations of animal cruelty, and check- the-well-being of the numerous animals on the property. On 4/9/21, the Lockwood Valley Station served the search warrant at the property with exceptional assistance from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Game Wardens and an environmental scientist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ventura County Animal Services, Humane Society of Ventura County, and Ventura County Code Enforcement.

During the warrant service, investigators identified significant animal neglect and abuse which included the discovery of three live pigs which were cohabitating with three deceased pigs within their individual pens. Several other animals were found living in poor and insufficient conditions which included a lack of water in some instances. Based on the totality of the investigation, Marcus and Malcolm Beale were identified as the primary suspects responsible in the neglect and abuse of the animals. Marcus and Malcolm Beale were arrested for felony animal cruelty in violation of Penal Code 597(b).

Based on the conditions observed at the property and the evidence of significant animal cruelty and neglect, Ventura County Animal Services and the Humane Society of Ventura County seized  the remaining animals from the property which included six cows, six dogs, five horses, four pigs, and a ferret. Malcolm and Marcus Beale were booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where they were released after individually posting $10,000 bail.