A West Hollywood man is facing an animal cruelty case after deputies say his roommate's already paralyzed dog was violently attacked inside their shared apartment Tuesday. The seven-year-old terrier mix, Scooter, who had existing paralysis in his hind legs, suffered injuries to an eye and a rib and was rushed to an emergency veterinarian. Deputies said Scooter has since been treated and is now recovering at home.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told NBC4 Investigates that deputies responded late Tuesday night after a report of animal abuse and that the roommate attacked Scooter, leaving the dog injured. The department identified the suspect as 33-year-old Eduardo Byrnes, and jail records showed an initial court date set for Friday, according to NBC4.
Details from deputies
According to deputies' accounts, Scooter's injuries were serious enough to require urgent veterinary care, and investigators stayed involved while the dog was being treated. Authorities have released only limited information about what led up to the attack as they continue to examine the circumstances of the incident.
Charges and legal context
Under California law, animal cruelty can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, largely depending on how badly the animal was hurt. Penalties increase when an animal suffers a significant injury. As outlined by California legislative information, prosecutors weigh the extent of the harm when deciding how to file a case.
What comes next
It was not immediately clear whether Byrnes has an attorney to speak on his behalf, NBC4 reported. Any formal charges and future court dates will appear in local court records, and NBC4 said it plans to update its coverage as more information becomes available.
