Animals

Felony Charge Filed in Puppy Beating

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A Crest man who beat his puppy so badly the dog had to be euthanized was arraigned Wednesday on a felony charge of animal cruelty, the District Attorney’s Office reported.

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,” said District Attorny Bonnie Dumanis. “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. County Animal Services investigated the incident and ultimately arrested Rich.

Rich faces up to three years in state prison if convicted.

Animal Control Officers with County Animal Services investigate approximately 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 for potential prosecution.