A Pacific Beach man accused of felony animal cruelty in the death of his dog agreed Monday to stand trial without having a preliminary hearing.
A trial date of Feb. 5 was set for Jorge Ramos, 22, who pleaded not guilty in San Diego Superior Court. It’s unusual to waive a preliminary hearing because it is a way for a suspect and his lawyer to get information about what witnesses will say. The same information can be obtained from police reports.
Ramos’ neighbors called police on Oct. 20, saying they heard or saw a man kill his dog in an alley near Oliver Avenue near Jewel Street. The dog’s body was found in the dumpster.
Despite his bail being doubled from $25,000 to $50,000 on Nov. 2, Ramos was able to post bond and he remains free.