Puppy beaten, euthanized
San Diego, CA (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Jan 21, 2012
County: San Diego

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Phillip Shawn Rich

A felony animal cruelty charge has been filed by the District Attorney's Office against a Crest man who beat his puppy so badly the dog had to be euthanized.

Phillip Shawn Rich, 26, pleaded not guilty in El Cajon Superior Court and is being held on $25,000 bail.

"The District Attorney's Office takes animal cruelty cases very seriously and this case is particularly brutal," DA Bonnie M. Dumanis said Wednesday. "We follow the evidence and the law in these types of cases to file all charges that are appropriate and hold defendants accountable for their actions."

Rich was arrested on Saturday after beating his 4-month-old Siberian husky, Knight, and then taking him to a veterinary hospital. Veterinarians determined euthanasia was the only humane option for Knight, based on his condition. San Diego County Animal Services investigated the incident and ultimately arrested Rich.

Rich's roommate spoke with Fox 5 Tuesday and described the alleged animal abuse.

"I saw him take the dog legs and pound the animal on the floor like he was a bag of sand," the 26-year-old suspect's friend said. "When I saw what Rich was doing I did stop him and force him to get the animal help. It just broke my heart seeing this dog in so much pain."

The dog suffered head trauma and a collapsed lung and had both hind legs fractured Deputy District Attorney Ryan Karkenny told the judge.

He added his office is actively investigating a second case of animal cruelty involving Rich but did not go into details at the arraignment.

Rich is next due in court on Feb. 2 for a readiness hearing and Feb. 7 for a preliminary hearing. He faces up to three years in state prison if convicted.

Animal Control Officers with County Animal Services investigate abiyt 3,800 animal abuse or neglect cases a year. While most are resolved by educating the owners, other cases are submitted to the District Attorney's Office for potential prosecution.

References

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