PETITION CLOSED
PETITION TARGET: Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman
UPDATE (5/8/2025): The man received a three-year prison sentence and is barred from having animals for 10 years, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
While we are glad that the perpetrator has been convicted, we’re sad to see that the penalties don’t reflect the severity of the abuse inflicted on this innocent puppy.
Lady Freethinker thanks the individuals who signed our petition demanding justice for Rue. — Lady Freethinker
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In Long Beach, California, horrifying surveillance footage shows a man walking into frame with a 5-month-old puppy hanging by her leash, slung over his back. Suddenly, he violently whips her over his shoulder, slamming her into the hard ground. He then mercilessly yanks her to her feet, kicks her in the face, and once again slings her over his back as he walks out of view.
The abuse this defenseless puppy suffered is beyond devastating, yet it may have only been a glimpse into a day filled with fear and pain. There’s no telling how long she had been hung by her leash, or how many more times she’d been slammed against the ground, kicked, or subjected to other forms of cruelty.
After the disturbing footage made its rounds on social media, authorities were able to locate and rescue the dog, who is now receiving care for her injuries at Long Beach Animal Care Services. The man was arrested and booked on felony intentional cruelty to an animal.
This innocent puppy was stripped of her dignity, treated as if she were nothing more than a lifeless object, and subjected to severe and life-threatening abuse. The individual responsible for her suffering must be held accountable to ensure justice for her and to protect other animals from abuse.
Sign our petition urging the Los Angeles County District Attorney to prosecute the individual responsible to the fullest extent of the law — including mandating intensive psychological intervention and a lifelong ban on having animals.
