Video Shows OC Man Slamming, Kicking Dog: Police

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A 28-year-old Westminster man was charged this week with a felony count of cruelty to an animal after he was reportedly seen on video slamming a German Shepherd mix to the ground by the leash and then kicking her in the face while the dog lay motionless, prosecutors said.

Alexander Cueva also faces a special allegation of personal use of a deadly and dangerous weapon — a leash — during the attack, which was captured on surveillance video and posted to social media.

If convicted, Cueva could face up to four years in state prison, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.

The dog, a puppy named Inara, was rescued and placed in the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services, which posted on Facebook Wednesday that the pup was "energetic, bright and responsive."