Havanah Miller, the 23-year-old woman caught on video allegedly abusing her puppy, is expected to face a judge in a pre-trial hearing today. The footage, which sparked widespread outrage, shows Miller striking a three-month-old poodle multiple times on her apartment balcony. The incident, documented on camera, led to Miller's arrest on January 18 on an animal cruelty charge, as reported by KENS5.
Although the accused was released on bond, details such as the bond amount and what the Bexar County District Attorney's Office considered an "appropriate bond amount" have not been disclosed. The DA's office, as of last Tuesday, had not responded to inquiries from KSAT about these specifics. After the release, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales expressed his "horrified" and "outraged" reaction when he first saw the footage and assured, "My office and I will do everything in our power to hold this person accountable for her actions," as stated in a statement obtained by KSAT. The DA also mentioned that due process applies to all those accused of a crime, which presumably includes entitlement to bond.
Geneva Story, an animal rescuer, did not witness the abuse firsthand but saw the video that later became viral, showing Miller's aggressive behavior towards the dog. Story highlighted the fact that such trauma could impact the puppy's entire life, which is particularly distressing given its early development stage. "Knowing the mental fact that this puppy could have this trauma for its entire life angers me because it never had to know that life, especially as a baby," Story said in an interview with KSAT.
The pre-trial hearing, set for 2 p.m. as noted by KENS5, will address key aspects of the case as both sides meet with the judge. Community members and animal advocates are closely watching, seeking justice for the young poodle whose suffering has brought the case into the spotlight.
