Dog Kicked By Homeless Man In Venice Dies

VENICE, CA — After an almost month-long battle in and out of the veterinarian's office, Bart the Yorkshire terrier who was kicked by a homeless man in Venice died due to his severe injuries.

Bart's owner Laura Rosenfeld was taking him on a short walk on June 14 when the man approached them and kicked the dog, sending him flying into a bobcat tractor nearby. Immediately, people on the street sprang into action to help Bart and Rosenfeld, according to a GoFundMe page posted by neighbor Laura Valdivia.

"On the way (to the vet), Bart regained consciousness but kept moaning and seizing. It was truly one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever heard," Valdivia posted. "The emergency room got him stable, but said he suffered a traumatic brain injury."

The fundraiser raised $32,213 to help Rosenfeld with the veterinarian bills, blowing past its original goal of $10,000. Despite the outpouring of support, Brat passed away in his home on July 9.

The suspect, who was identified by police as 39-year-old Michael Langman, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and animal cruelty. When officers arrived to the scene the day of the incident, multiple witnesses pointed Langman out, stating they saw the man kick and severely injure a dog.

"Witnesses attempted to stop Langman. Langman, while attempting to flee, grabbed a glass bottle and struck a male victim on the head causing injury," LAPD said in a statement.

The victim and other witnesses were able to hold Langman and prevent him from escaping before officers arrived to arrest him.

According to Valdivia, Langman's next scheduled court date is on July 17.

Rosenfeld said she was touched by the amount of support she got from her community and is currently on the search for a local place to bury Bart, such as a garden, so she can visit him in the future.

Plans for a vigil to celebrate the little dog's life are in the works, Valdivia said. Any updates about the date and time for the vigil will be posted on the GoFundMe page.

City News Service contributed to this report.