Sam Cary Tamborello, 57, was found guilty of cruelty to animals following an incident where he pepper-sprayed a neighbor's dog. The events unfolded on May 30, 2023, when both Tamborello and his neighbor, Jay Arthur, reported to the Highland Park Police Department about the altercation.
Arthur claimed he was walking his dog when Tamborello, while jogging, pepper-sprayed the dog without cause. Officers first spoke with Arthur, who explained that he was attempting to move out of the way of Tamborello when the incident occurred.
Tamborello provided a different account, asserting that he acted in self-defense, claiming Arthur's dog lunged at him. However, evidence presented at trial revealed that Tamborello had begun recording the encounter well before the dog or Arthur were aware of his presence. The dog was restrained on a leash during the incident and was pepper-sprayed while Arthur was moving aside.
After the spraying, the dog exhibited signs of distress, and Arthur's wife experienced irritation from the pepper spray while attempting to clean the dog.
The trial also uncovered that Tamborello had a history of similar incidents, including the unprovoked spraying of leashed dogs and harassment of neighbors.
Following the trial, Tamborello was sentenced to five years in prison, probated over four years. He waived his right to appeal and is prohibited from owning pets in the future.
Lead Prosecutor: Jessica Trevizo
2nd Chair: Priscilla Pelli
DA Investigator: Steve Wilson
DA Victim Advocate: Maggie Negrete
Investigating Agency: Highland Park Police Department
