A Los Angeles man stands accused of felony animal cruelty after allegedly beating his dog with a chain leash, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The 40-year-old Donald Jeffes could face up to three years in state prison if he is convicted on the charge related to the March 18th incident inside a downtown apartment building, as stated by the District Attorney's Office.
Security footage seems to have captured the brutal event, showing Jeffes holding his American Micro Bully by the collar and then striking the animal with its metal chain leash, and following the release of this alarming visual evidence, District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed the gravity of such actions emphasizing, "The alleged abuse captured on videos in this case is not just deplorable — it's criminal," in remarks to the press. Jeffes has pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on April 18, despite the outrage sparked by the circulated video of his actions with his dog Rusty.
Adding to the consequences Jeffes may face, the court has ruled that he must be subject to electronic monitoring and barred from having any animal in his custody; furthermore, he has been ordered to keep away from the person who reported the abuse, as detailed in a report by CBS News. Jeffes's next court appearance is set for May 1, while the legal machinery churns closer to a resolution.
