Justice For Poochie: Man Sentenced To Jail For Fatal Attack On Dog At East County Motel

EL CAJON, CA — A man who killed a dog at an East County motel was sentenced this week to jail, authorities said.

A senior Shih Tzu service dog named Poochie was attacked on May 23, 2024 at a Motel 6 in El Cajon. Jeffrey Todd Buntich threatened to kill the dog before kicking the animal, causing Poochie internal injuries that led to the dog being euthanized, according to San Diego Humane Society.

Buntich fled to Sacramento following the attack, but was arrested six months later on Nov. 11, 2024, according to Humane Society officials. He was extradited to San Diego County, where he pleaded guilty to a felony count of animal cruelty.

Buntich was sentenced Tuesday to one year in jail, two years of probation, and a five-year ban on animal ownership.

"This case is a tragic reminder of the consequences of violence against animals," said Jace Huggins, chief of San Diego Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement. "While nothing can undo the suffering Poochie endured, we are grateful to see justice served and hope this sentencing sends a strong message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated."

San Diego Humane Society urges anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or neglect to contact 619-299-7012.