Pleasanton Shooting: Dog Returned To Owner After No Evidence Of Abuse Found, Police Say

PLEASANTON, CA — Detectives could not find evidence that the victim of a July 26 shooting in Pleasanton abused his dog, according to the Pleasanton Police Department.

On July 26, suspect Joshua Kaplan approached the victim at his home because Kaplan had reportedly seen a video of the victim, his neighbor, beating a dog, according to police testimony. Kaplan called animal control, and blocked his neighbor from leaving his home, according to the reports. The neighbor then rammed his car into Kaplan's truck, leading Kaplan to fire at least six shots at him. As of Friday, the victim is in stable condition and recovering from a total of nine gunshot wounds, according to police.

Kaplan was arrested, the victim was hospitalized, and the dog in question was taken to the East County Animal Shelter. According to a Friday statement from the Pleasanton Police Department, detectives conducting a thorough review of the allegations that included witness statements, video evidence, and other supplemental material.

A licensed veterinarian also conducted an examination that included x-rays, ultrasounds, and bloodwork. Police say that the veterinarian found no injuries, the animal was in good health, and there was no evidence to suggest past abuse. As a result, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office declined to file charges for animal abuse, and the dog was released back to its owner.

Kaplan is in custody at Santa Rita Jail, and has been formally charged with attempted murder and shooting at an occupied vehicle, with multiple enhancements for causing great bodily injury. He will enter his plea Aug. 7.

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