Ex-Roommate Who Killed Dog In Home Break-In Denies Violent Attack: LA County Prosecutors

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — A man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he broke into his ex-roommate's home and violently beat his dog before throwing the animal off a balcony and into a nearby construction site, according to prosecutors.

Anmol Bhatia, 27, faces felony charges of first-degree residential burglary, animal cruelty, and vandalism of $400. The charges also include an allegation that he committed a violent crime against a vulnerable person: His former roommate who was at least 65 years old, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Over the weekend, Bhatia had been described as a person of interest by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which released home security video of a suspect entering the home on the 1200 block of Harper Street at around 11:35 p.m. on Sept. 4, according to deputies.

After the break in, Bhatia is accused of violently slamming the victim’s dog to the ground and stomping on the animal, then throwing the non-responsive dog off a balcony. The dog was found dead by authorities in a nearby construction site, according to prosecutors.

Authorities also claim that Bhatia vandalized the victim’s property.

He fled the scene and was arrested Sunday by Beverly Hills police, according to the DA's office.

“The level of animal cruelty in this case is deeply disturbing,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “Our office does not tolerate animal abuse, and we are fully committed to pursuing justice on behalf of these voiceless victims. Just as we aggressively prosecute residential burglary, we will prosecute animal cruelty. We have filed over 100 animal cruelty cases this year and will continue to hold animal abusers accountable.”

Bhatia remain held on $175,000 bail, according to jail records.

He's due back in court Oct. 9.