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Dog abuse in Long Beach caught on camera
A dog abuse case is under investigation in Long Beach after a woman viciously tossed a small dog.
LONG BEACH, Calif. - Graphic video of a woman throwing a dog in Long Beach is now leading to a criminal investigation.
"I saw it happen," said one neighbor. "I saw it and felt terrible. I yelled at her, and by the time I came downstairs, she was gone. She should go to jail, and whatever happens in jail happens to her."
The video was posted publicly to Facebook on Christmas but has since been deleted. However, The Kris Kelly Foundation recorded it and now has it up on their page.
In the surveillance video, a woman can be seen grabbing and violently throwing a dog towards a fence, while another dog appears injured on the ground.
Neighbors near the location on Cerritos Avenue wanted to stay anonymous but worry about the situation.
"To me, that [dog is] somebody that can’t defend themselves, you know," said a second neighbor. "It’s kind of horrifying. That person could end up doing something to a kid that can’t defend themselves too. To me, that’s something to worry about."
A group of dog lovers saw the video on Facebook and decided to take action. According to the group, they met with the dog’s owner, and she confirmed the woman they approached Friday on camera is the same person seen throwing a dog on surveillance video.
"She denied everything, and then she took off running," said Yvonne Gomez, a dog advocate. "We’re waiting on the cops right now. I want them to take a report."
Long Beach Police responded to the scene. They provided a written statement to FOX 11 about the case.
"The LBPD is investigating the report of an animal cruelty incident," said LBPD Officer Eric Stachura. "The preliminary investigation indicates that the reporting party located video footage showing dogs being abused by a female suspect. Suspect information is under investigation. The investigation is ongoing."
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Long Beach Police.
"I don’t know how anybody who can do this [to a dog] can sleep at night," said Gomez.