Target: Mike Hestrin, District Attorney of Riverside County, California.
Goal: Fully investigate the officer reportedly seen dragging a puppy by the neck and violently throwing him into a van, and pursue all appropriate criminal charges and penalties if the evidence supports the allegations, including barring the accused from working with animals.
A bystander’s video apparently shows an animal control officer using a catch pole on a young dog, dragging the terrified puppy several feet, lifting him by the neck, and hurling him into the back of a transport van. The witness further alleged the officer made dismissive remarks about the dog before the rough handling began. The puppy—described as under a year old—had wandered onto private property and had been given food and water while help was called, according to the account.
After the video spread online, animal-welfare advocates condemned the handling as cruel and unsafe. The witness said attempts to report the incident initially went nowhere, and later updates from the shelter purportedly framed the force as “necessary,” despite the graphic footage and the puppy’s apparent distress. Additional claims surfaced that the dog might not be returned to his family due to identification issues and could be at risk of euthanasia if unclaimed—raising urgent questions about procedures and accountability.
Public trust in animal-protection systems depends on humane, lawful handling—especially by those tasked with enforcement. An independent, thorough criminal investigation is necessary to determine whether animal-cruelty or misconduct statutes were violated. If the evidence substantiates these allegations, the responsible party should face meaningful penalties, be prohibited from future work with animals, and the agency should adopt immediate reforms, including enhanced training and clear, humane handling protocols.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear District Attorney Hestrin,
A widely shared video seemingly depicts an animal control officer securing a young dog with a catch pole, dragging him by the neck, and forcefully throwing him into a van. The witness alleges the officer made disparaging comments moments before the rough handling. This same account indicates the puppy had simply wandered onto a property and was calm enough to be offered food and water while assistance was requested.
These allegations, if proven true, describe conduct that appears inconsistent with humane handling and could violate animal-cruelty laws. Subsequent statements reportedly attempted to justify the force as necessary, yet the footage seems to show a frightened puppy subjected to painful, dangerous treatment. Compounding the concern are claims that the dog’s fate might hinge on identification issues, with possible euthanasia if unclaimed—an outcome that would add tragedy to an already disturbing situation.
We respectfully urge your office to open a full, independent investigation into this incident. If the evidence supports the allegations, please file all appropriate charges and seek penalties that reflect the seriousness of the conduct, including fines, probation or incarceration as allowed by law, mandatory training, and a prohibition on future employment involving animals. We also ask that you encourage relevant authorities to implement clear, humane handling standards and accountability measures to prevent similar cases.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Mcitsci
