Justice has been served in a case of animal cruelty that came to a close recently in San Diego County. Jeffrey Todd Buntich, who inflicted a violent attack on a senior Shih Tzu named Poochie, has been sentenced following an investigation by the San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement. On May 23, 2024, Buntich threatened and then proceeded to kick the small service dog, resulting in severe internal injuries that led to the decision to euthanize Poochie to prevent further suffering humanely.
After committing the act at Motel 6 in El Cajon, Buntich fled to Sacramento. Having collaborated, law enforcement agencies facilitated his arrest on a felony warrant by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department on November 11, 2024, according to a press release from the San Diego Humane Society. Buntich pled guilty to a felony count of animal cruelty under California Penal Code 597(a) and surrendered himself for incarceration on February 24, 2024, just a day before. If he did not, he faced up to 16 years in prison due to his prior criminal history.
The sentence handed down on Tuesday includes 365 days in jail, two years of probation, and a 5-year ban on owning animals.
Chief Jace Huggins of the San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement expressed relief that justice was achieved, stating, “This case is a tragic reminder of the consequences of violence against animals. While nothing can undo the suffering Poochie endured, we are grateful to see justice served and hope this sentencing sends a strong message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.”
Any individual who witnesses animal cruelty or neglect is urged to report it immediately by calling the San Diego Humane Society at 619-299-7012 (press 1 for Humane Law Enforcement).
