Felony assault charges filed against man who allegedly attacked California veterinarian

The battery case against Scott Doornbos, a pet owner who allegedly attacked an Ojai, Calif., veterinarian after the death of his dog, will proceed to court. Earlier this year, Doornbos was arrested on charges of assaulting Dr. Steve Sallen, owner of the Ojai Valley Village Pet Hospital.

According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Doornbos had taken his five-year-old dog to Sallen, and the dog died during treatment. After being notified of his dog's death, Doornbos went to the animal hospital and confronted Sallen, causing significant injury. Sallen suffered from facial bone fractures and was knocked unconscious during the attack.

Doornbos was originally charged with one count of felony battery with serious bodily injury. The Ventura County District Attorney’s office later added felony counts of making criminal threats and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. Doornbos pleaded not guilty to all three felony counts and is scheduled to appear in court for an early disposition conference on May 8, 2012.