Chihuahua euthanized after being punched in La Habra
LA HABRA -- Animal control officials are investigating the "suspicious death" of a Chihuahua dog that was euthanized after apparently being punched by its owner's boyfriend, authorities said.
News reports identified the man as off-duty Newport Beach firefighter Aaron Reed, though police would not confirm that Saturday.
The incident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Thursday at a home in the 300 block of Oakland Street, police said in a written statement.
"Apparently, the dog had just been bathed and was being held by the boyfriend, who was suddenly and without provocation bitten in the face," the police statement said.
"Then he punched the dog," La Habra police Lt. Jerry Price said.
The dog, called Bella, was taken to a veterinary clinic, where a veterinarian determined it could not be saved and put it to sleep, police said. The clinic notified police about the incident the following morning.
An investigation is ongoing, officials said, and animal control investigators will perform a necropsy on the animal to determine the cause of death.
News reports identified the man as off-duty Newport Beach firefighter Aaron Reed, though police would not confirm that Saturday.
The incident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Thursday at a home in the 300 block of Oakland Street, police said in a written statement.
"Apparently, the dog had just been bathed and was being held by the boyfriend, who was suddenly and without provocation bitten in the face," the police statement said.
"Then he punched the dog," La Habra police Lt. Jerry Price said.
The dog, called Bella, was taken to a veterinary clinic, where a veterinarian determined it could not be saved and put it to sleep, police said. The clinic notified police about the incident the following morning.
An investigation is ongoing, officials said, and animal control investigators will perform a necropsy on the animal to determine the cause of death.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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