A Modesto man has been convicted of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after authorities seized around 150 dogs from his property in 2022. Nicholas Dean Baugh, 42, was found guilty by a Stanislaus County jury last week on four felony counts involving two dogs and one misdemeanor count for failing to provide proper care to more than 130 dogs. He was acquitted of several other felony animal-cruelty counts.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, after a probation report is completed. Deputy District Attorney Tracy Griffin said Baugh faces a maximum sentence of four years under California’s realignment law. “That would be local state prison time,” Griffin said. “Four years would be his maximum exposure.”
Authorities described the Modesto property as overcrowded and unsanitary when they removed the animals. Prosecutors alleged that the dogs were kept without adequate food, water, or medical care, with some showing signs of severe neglect and injury.
Griffin explained her decision to limit the number of felony charges filed: “There were about 150 dogs, and I did not charge 150 counts,” she said. “I was very particular about which dogs I charged and why.” Jurors ultimately convicted Baugh on four felony counts tied to six dogs and a misdemeanor count related to the overall conditions affecting more than 130 animals.
The trial lasted an extended period, which Griffin suggested may have affected jurors’ ability to recall evidence linked to individual animals. “When you stretch a trial that long, jurors can forget some of the evidence,” she said. “I tried in closing to remind them of what the evidence was for each dog related to each count.”
Griffin also noted that some not-guilty verdicts surprised her: “It was baffling to me,” she said. “Some of the dogs I had the most evidence on were among the counts the jury found not guilty on.” She added that concerns about multiple felony convictions might have influenced jurors: “I don’t know if the normal person who’s a juror was concerned about finding someone guilty of that many felonies.”
During proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence that some dogs had abdominal incisions consistent with unlicensed surgical procedures. Investigators found surgical equipment at Baugh’s residence and internet searches indicating he researched animal surgeries and anesthesia drugs online. “The incisions were jagged and improperly closed,” Griffin said. “That indicated it likely was not done by a licensed veterinarian.” Prosecutors further alleged Baugh admitted performing medical care on his own animals.
Griffin stated that this case demonstrates ongoing efforts between prosecutors and animal control agencies in Stanislaus County: “There is absolutely no reason to have 150 dogs other than to exploit them,” she said. “We are not going to allow that in this county.” She added, “We will do something about it. Puppy mills are not welcome here.”
Baugh remains out of custody until sentencing in January when a judge will determine whether he serves jail time, probation, or both.
