Long Beach Police Department detectives are reporting Wednesday they have located a man seen slamming a dog onto the ground multiple times by its leash in Long Beach and then kicking the animal, prompting People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to offer a $5,000 reward leading to his arrest an conviction.
The man was captured on surveillance footage, which has been shared widely on social media, allegedly mistreating an animal at 235 E. 12th St. around 5:36 a.m. Monday, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
According to reports posted on the Long Beach Police Department Facebook page, the dog has been rescued and is safely in the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services. The LBPD commended the swift and dedicated efforts of detectives and officers in resolving the case.
“This type of cruelty has no place in our community,” Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in social media posts. “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.”
LBPD patrol officers responded to the location and took an animal cruelty report. Long Beach Animal Care Services assisted with the investigation to ensure the animal was safe, according to the police.
The abuse occurred outside Beacon Pointe Apartments, according to PETA, which is also seeking information leading to the whereabouts of the dog “whose life is in danger” and may need veterinary care.
“He swings the dog over his shoulder, slams the dog onto the ground, kicks the dog in the face, hoists the animal back up, and walks out of sight with the dog hanging behind his back,” PETA spokeswoman Nicole Perreria said in a statement.
The person of interest was depicted in the surveillance footage as wearing orange pants, a red flannel shirt and carrying a black backpack. He was also traveling with a skateboard.
“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 information related to the case was urged to call the Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387 or the LBPD dispatch at 562-435-6711.