Santa Monica police arrested a 40-year-old woman Tuesday after officers said she physically assaulted a 3-month-old puppy on Main Street near Pico Boulevard. The young dog, described by police as homeless along with the woman, was taken to a veterinarian and later found to have a broken leg. Police called the case a suspected felony.
Police: Suspect In Custody, Puppy In Care
According to Santa Monica police, officers responded Sunday to a report that a woman had assaulted a puppy and soon located the suspect and the animal near Main Street and Pico. NBC Los Angeles reported that the woman was identified as 40-year-old Connie Arreola and was taken into custody on suspicion of felony animal cruelty. Santa Monica Animal Control transported the puppy to a veterinarian for evaluation, the outlet reported.
Potential Charges And Penalties
Under California law, severe animal abuse can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Penal Code section 597 allows felony charges when someone "maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures, or wounds" an animal. The statute also authorizes fines, possible imprisonment, and the seizure or forfeiture of animals impounded in cruelty investigations, according to the California Penal Code.
What Comes Next
Santa Monica Animal Services will oversee the puppy's care while detectives continue their investigation. The city's shelter information notes that Animal Control is responsible for impounding animals and coordinating veterinary care for injured pets. Local reporting has also drawn attention to other recent animal cruelty cases in the region. Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department.
