On February 25, a man was sentenced to one year in jail and prohibited from having animals for five years for attacking a tiny senior Shih Tzu named Poochie, according to Fox 5.
On May 23, 2024, at a Motel 6 in El Cajon, California, Jeffrey Todd Buntich threatened Poochie’s life before viciously kicking the animal, according to officials from the San Diego Humane Society.
The internal injuries that Poochie sustained from the attack were so severe that the San Diego Humane Society concluded that euthanasia was the only course of action.
Buntich pleaded guilty to one felony count of animal cruelty after fleeing to Sacramento following the incident. He was arrested six months later and then extradited to San Diego County.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the consequences of violence against animals,” San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Chief Jace Huggins stated. “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.”
While Lady Freethinker is pleased to see this step toward justice for Poochie, we’re disappointed that the penalties fail to reflect the severity of the abuse inflicted on this innocent dog. We remain committed to pushing for stronger animal protection laws and holding abusers accountable.
If you observe an animal suffering from cruelty or neglect, please get in touch with your local law enforcement, humane society, or shelter for help.
