Man Caught On Video Abusing Puppy In Long Beach Sentenced To Prison

LONG BEACH, CA — A 28-year-old man caught on camera kicking and body-slamming a dog in Long Beach last month has been sentenced to three years in state prison, according to prosecutors.

As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, Westminster resident Alexander Cueva pleaded no contest to one count of felony animal cruelty, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday. His sentence also includes a 10-year ban on possessing any animal.

"This felony conviction and prison sentence send the important message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our community,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement Wednesday. “Those who engage in cruelty to animals often engage in the same cruelty to humans. We will champion and protect victims, including the most vulnerable among us, from their abusers and predators.”

Cueva was caught on video abusing his five-month-old German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, Inara the morning of April 21, according to authorities.

In the graphic video, the man, who prosecutors say is Cueva, walks into the frame with the slack dog hanging over his shoulder. Only after he slams it to the ground does the dog appear alive, offering slight resistance before the man kicks it and continues on, hanging the dog over his shoulder again by the leash as he walks away.

The video quickly went viral amid calls for help identifying the man in the video and saving the animal from further abuse. The animal rights group PETA also launched a $5,000 reward for anyone who had information leading to the suspect's arrest and help saving the dog.

Cueva was taken into custody that same week and charged by the District Attorney's Office with one felony count of cruelty to an animal, along with the special allegation of using a leash as a deadly weapon in the attack.

The dog has since been rescued and is recovering from her injuries, according to officials with Long Beach's Animal Care Services Bureau.

“I want to thank my legal team — particularly Deputy District Attorney and Animal Cruelty Coordinator Kimberly Abourezk and Deputy District Attorney Kelly Fritz — for ensuring this defendant is being held accountable,” Hochman said. “Our office is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, including defenseless animals.”