News Releases

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kelly Fritz, a designee of LADA’s Animal Cruelty Section 

LONG BEACH, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that Alexander Cueva pleaded no contest to felony animal cruelty and was sentenced to three years in state prison and a 10-year ban on possessing animals. The defendant also admitted to a weapon allegation as part of the plea.

“This felony conviction and prison sentence send the important message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our community,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Those who engage in cruelty to animals often engage in the same cruelty to humans. We will champion and protect victims, including the most vulnerable among us, from their abusers and predators.”

On April 21 at about 5:50 a.m., Cueva (dob 2/2/97) of Westminster is captured on video hoisting his 6- to 8-month-old German Shepherd mix, Inara, by the neck with a leash, slamming her to the pavement, and kicking her in the face while she lay motionless. He then suspended the dog again and rode away on a skateboard, dragging her out of frame.

Case 25LBCF00671 was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Kelly Fritz of LADA’s Long Beach Branch, a designee of Target Crimes Division/Animal Cruelty Section, and was investigated by the Long Beach Police Department.

“I want to thank my legal team — particularly Deputy District Attorney and Animal Cruelty Coordinator Kimberly Abourezk and Deputy District Attorney Kelly Fritz — for ensuring this defendant is being held accountable,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Our office is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, including defenseless animals.”

REPORT SUSPECTED ANIMAL ABUSE, CRUELTY AND NEGLECT

If serious abuse is in progress call 911.

Otherwise, contact your local animal services agency:

City of Los Angeles Animal Services: (888) 452-7381

Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control:

South County Communication Center: (562) 940-6898 North County Communication Center: (661) 940-4191

Long Beach Animal Care Services: (562) 570-7387

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA):

(323) 730-5300 or 1-888-spcaLA1

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA):

(562) 803-3301

Submit anonymous tips to LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

See our news release on LADA’s intensified efforts against animal cruelty here.

Access our new animal cruelty brochure here.