LONG BEACH, Calif. (CNS) — Alexander Cueva, 28, of Westminster, was sentenced to three years in state prison after pleading no contest Wednesday to a felony charge of animal cruelty in connection with a violent attack on his puppy that was caught on video in Long Beach.
Cueva was also prohibited from owning or possessing animals for the next 10 years, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The disturbing incident occurred on April 21 near 235 E. 12th Street. Cueva was seen on surveillance video hoisting his 6- to 8-month-old German Shepherd mix, Inara, by the neck with her leash, slamming her to the ground, kicking her while she lay motionless, and then dragging her away while riding a skateboard.
Long Beach police arrested Cueva the following evening, April 22, in the 800 block of Pine Avenue. He has remained in custody since his arrest on suspicion of felony intentional cruelty to an animal.
Inara was taken into the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services. Despite sustaining injuries consistent with trauma, the agency reported that the puppy is “energetic, bright, and responsive” and is expected to make a full recovery in a foster home.
Officials have warned the public about fraudulent GoFundMe pages falsely claiming to be raising money for Inara’s care. They recommend that donations be made directly through the Long Beach Animal Care Services website.
“This felony conviction and prison sentence send the important message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our community,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “Our office is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, including defenseless animals.”
