A 28-year-old Long Beach man has been arrested after he allegedly was seen slamming a dog onto the ground multiple times by its leash and kicking the animal, authorities said Wednesday.
Police said Alexander Cueva was captured on surveillance footage, which was shared widely on social media, attacking the dog around 5:36 a.m. Monday at 235 E. 12th St., near Anaheim Street.
At around 8:28 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, and police said they will share updates on the animal’s condition when appropriate.
“This type of cruelty has no place in our community,” 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.