A Los Angeles man has been indicted with a felony for his alleged savage attack on a small dog during a break-in at his former roommate's residence. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, 27-year-old Anmol Bhatia faces hefty prison time if found guilty on charges of first-degree residential burglary, animal cruelty, and significant property vandalism.
The incident, which occurred late at night on September 4, reportedly captured Bhatia on video as he brutally beat the dog, later throwing the lifeless animal from a balcony. In a statement reported by the District Attorney's Office website, DA Nathan J. Hochman expressed his office's dedication to combating animal abuse, stating, "The level of animal cruelty in this case is deeply disturbing," he added, "We have filed over 100 animal cruelty cases this year and will continue to hold animal abusers accountable."
Bhatia is also charged with vandalism, having allegedly caused more than $400 in damage to the victim's property during the incident. His arraignment took place today, and he pleaded not guilty, with the court setting bail at $175,000. The preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 9 at the Airport Courthouse, where the details of the violent act will be further scrutinized.
The case against Bhatia, still under investigation by the LA County Sheriff’s Department, West Hollywood Station, includes an enhanced allegation that the crime was committed against a person over the age of 65, a fact the prosecutor noted Bhatia "knew or should have known." Notably, the suspect was on the run until Beverly Hills police arrested him on September 21. If convicted of all charges, he faces a sentence of up to seven years and eight months in state prison. Deputy District Attorney Katherine Burgermyer will lead the prosecution effort within the Animal Cruelty Section.
It's important to remember that despite the charges, Bhatia maintains his presumption of innocence until proven otherwise in court. The case continues to develop as investigative efforts remain underway.
