A Long Beach man has been sentenced to three years in state prison after pleading no contest to a felony animal cruelty charge, as per the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. The man, identified as Alexander Cueva, 28, from Westminster, was also handed down a 10-year ban from owning animals. While pleading, Cueva admitted to a weapon allegation part of the charge, detailing the distressing violence he inflicted upon his pet, a German Shepherd mix named Inara.
As reported by NBC Los Angeles, the attack captured on video showed Cueva hoisting the dog by the neck with a leash, slamming her to the pavement, and then kicking her as she lay motionless early on April 21. Culminating the assault, he suspended Inara once again and, skateboarding away, dragging her out of sight, said a statement from the District Attorney's Office.
Cueva was arrested on April 22 in the 800 block of Pine Avenue by Long Beach Police Detectives, and had been in custody since. The dog was immediately taken into the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services, where she was reported as "energetic, bright, and responsive," recovering from injuries consistent with suspected trauma, according to a statement by the Animal Care Services obtained by NBC Los Angeles. They have warned of potential scams through GoFundMe pages falsely claiming to have the dog in care and have advised donations through the agency's website.
Deputy District Attorney Kelly Fritz of the DA's Animal Cruelty Section prosecuted the case. "This felony conviction and prison sentence send the important message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our community," District Attorney Nathan Hochman declared, emphasizing the office's position on protecting victims, reported by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. To report suspected animal abuse or learn more about LADA's efforts against animal cruelty, the public is urged to contact local animal care services or view their resources online.
In response to the incident and community concern, Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish emphasized the importance of maintaining a society devoid of cruelty, "This type of cruelty has no place in our community," he stated captured slamming the dog into the ground, kicking it in the face, and dragging it along the pavement, according to Hoodline. He praised his team's swift actions, which saw Cueva's swift apprehension and subsequent charge for the felony after initial widespread condemnation and a $5,000 PETA reward offering.
