A 28-year-old Long Beach man who allegedly slammed a dog onto the ground multiple times by its leash and kicked the animal in an attack captured on surveillance video was behind bats Wednesday.
Alexander Cueva allegedly attacked the dog at 5:36 a.m. Monday at 235 E. 12th St., near Anaheim Street, according to the Long Beach Police Department. The attack was captured on surveillance footage, which was shared widely on social media.
Shortly before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, detectives located Cueva in the 800 block of Pine Avenue and took him to the city jail, where he was booked on suspicion of felony intentional cruelty to an animal, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Cueva had an outstanding no bail warrant and remains in custody, the LBPD added.
The dog was placed in the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services, which issued a statement Wednesday saying the animal “is currently energetic, bright and responsive.”
“She sustained some injuries consisted with suspected trauma, but is expected to heal with time and care,” according to the Animal Care Services agency. “She will be placed in a foster home for her recovery.”
The agency noted that there have been reports about possible scams being orchestrated through GoFundMe pages by people claiming to have the dog in their care. Animal Care officials said anyone who would like to donate can do so through the agency’s website at bit.ly/LBACSdonate.
“This type of cruelty has no place in our community,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said. “I want to thank our detectives and officers for their outstanding work in swiftly identifying and apprehending the suspect. We remain committed to ensuring those who harm others — especially the most vulnerable — are held accountable. We recognize the deep concern this incident caused throughout our community and appreciate the public’s assistance in sharing critical information.”
“Dogs rely on us to keep them safe, and this dog suffered a violent attack that utterly betrayed that trust — and who knows what abuse he or she has suffered that hasn’t been caught on camera,” PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien said in a statement.
Anyone with further information about the case was urged to call the LBPD’s Violent Crimes Detail at 562-570-7250. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
that man that flung the dog over his shoulder by the dog’s neck….should get the DEATH PENALTY!!!!! i could NOT FORGET WHAT I SAW ON THE VIDEO!!! IT WAS HORRIFYING!!!! god only knows how long this scum has been beating this poor dog!!!!