Ex-Con Accused Of Shooting Puppy Pleads Not Guilty

LOS ANGELES, CA — An ex-con accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend's puppy after an argument pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of animal cruelty and criminal threats.

David Sumlin, 32, was arrested Monday by the Los Angeles Police Department and remains in custody.

Sumlin is accused of shooting the four-month-old puppy earlier this month, when he held a pillow over the dog, pointed a gun at it and told his ex-girlfriend "It's either you or the dog." He then shot the dog twice, according to the LAPD.

Responding officers took the puppy to an animal shelter, where it died, police said.

Sumlin is due back in court Jan. 30 where a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to require him to stand trial on the two felony counts.

He's also charged in a federal criminal complaint as being a felon in possession of ammunition. Sumlin has prior convictions for a dozen counts dating back to 2009, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

After the puppy's shooting, police asked for the public's help in finding Sumlin, who was described as homeless at the time.

City News Service contributed to this report.