Long Beach police arrested a man on Tuesday evening, suspected of violently abusing a dog in a video that sparked outrage in the community. The footage, which was widely shared on social media, shows the man lifting the dog by its leash and slamming it to the ground. The incident occurred near 235 E. 12th St. early Monday morning.
According to the Long Beach Post, the suspect was also seen kicking the dog and yanking it off the ground by its neck. The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) confirmed that the dog has been rescued and is now under the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services.
The video prompted People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest and conviction. Police Chief Wally Hebeish stated, "This type of cruelty has no place in our community," and commended the detectives and officers for their swift action in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the suspect was seen with a skateboard, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The suspect’s name and booking details have not been released.
Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Long Beach Animal Care Services or the LBPD dispatch. The community remains vigilant, emphasizing that animal abuse is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.