Long Beach police say detectives have arrested a man seen slamming a dog onto the ground by its leash and then kicking the animal.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, the dog was also rescued and is safely in the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services.
“While the dog is now in the safe hands of Long Beach Animal Care Services, we will share updates on its condition when appropriate, as the investigation remains ongoing,” police said.
Abuse of the dog sparked furor on Monday after it was captured on surveillance footage. The video, which was shared widely on social media, was filmed at 235 E. 12th St. around 5:36 a.m. Monday, according to the LBPD.
The video shows a man hoisting the dog off the ground by a leash, swinging the animal over his head and slamming it into the ground. He then kicks the dog, again yanks it off the ground by its neck and continues walking with the animal slung across his back.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals offered a $5,000 reward leading to the abuser’s arrest and conviction
Police identified the suspected abuser as Alexander Cueva, a 28-year-old Long Beach man.
According to the department, detectives from the Special Investigations Division and the High Crime Focus Team were able to quickly identify Cueva and arrest him around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Police said he was taken into custody on Pine Avenue near Eighth Street and booked into jail on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.
He also had a warrant out for his arrest, and he remains in jail without bail, police said.
“This type of cruelty has no place in our community,” Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in social media posts. “I want to thank our detectives and officers for their outstanding work in swiftly identifying and apprehending the suspect. We remain committed to ensuring those who harm others — especially the most vulnerable — are held accountable. We recognize the deep concern this incident caused throughout our community and appreciate the public’s assistance in sharing critical information.”
Anyone with information related to the case was urged to call the Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387 or the LBPD dispatch at 562-435-6711.
City News Service and staff writer Jeremiah Dobruck contributed to this report.