Alexander Cueva, 28, of Westminster, pleaded no contest to felony animal cruelty charges on Wednesday after a disturbing incident in Long Beach. Cueva was caught on video violently attacking his puppy, a six- to eight-month-old German Shepherd mix named Inara, by slamming her to the ground and kicking her. The incident, which took place on April 21, was captured on surveillance video and widely shared on social media, sparking public outrage.
Cueva received a three-year state prison sentence and is banned from owning animals for ten years, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The attack occurred near 12th Street and Long Beach Boulevard, and Cueva was arrested on April 22 after being located by detectives.
The puppy, now renamed Rue, was taken into the care of Long Beach Animal Care Services. The agency reported that Rue is recovering well and thriving in foster care. “She sustained some injuries consistent with suspected trauma, but is expected to heal with time and care,” the agency stated. Rue’s foster family describes her as intelligent and enjoying training, though slightly nervous around new people.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the importance of the conviction, stating, “This felony conviction and prison sentence send the important message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our community.”
Cueva’s sentence will be served following a prior 16-month sentence for a vehicle theft conviction in Pomona. Anyone wishing to support animals like Rue can donate through the Long Beach Animal Care Services website.
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