LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced Monday that his office has filed 25 animal cruelty cases, including 18 felonies, in the past six weeks, signaling a renewed push to prosecute acts of violence against animals.
Among the filed cases, a man is accused of dropping a bulldog named Adriana on her head, kicking her, and hurling her into a stack of tires where she was left to die. Testing revealed Adriana had illegal drugs in her system. The case is one of several being handled by deputy district attorneys from the office’s Target Crimes Division, Animal Cruelty Section.
“Animal cruelty is a serious crime,” Hochman said in a statement. “It’s also a red flag for possible future violence and we treat it exactly as it should be treated — with zero tolerance and aggressive prosecution.”
The filings reflect coordination between law enforcement, animal control agencies, and prosecutors. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the LAPD, and local police departments collaborated in the investigations, which span the county from Norwalk to Hollywood.
Sheriff Robert Luna stated, “We will not tolerate the abuse of defenseless animals,” urging residents to report suspected cruelty to local authorities.
High-profile cases underline pattern of violent behavior
Several of the cases involve defendants charged with both animal abuse and violence against people. In one case, Joseph Melnyk is charged with throwing his girlfriend’s terrier mix off a Hollywood apartment balcony, resulting in the dog’s death. Melnyk also faces charges of domestic violence and contempt of court. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday.
Another case involves Marc Ibanez, who allegedly dragged a German shepherd behind a truck and was later found with a sharp object matching one seen in surveillance footage. The dog suffered lacerations and bleeding injuries. Ibanez faces one felony count of animal cruelty.
Other cases depict similarly graphic allegations. Michaela Urquidi is accused of strangling a 22-month-old American Bully she was hired to pet sit. Blaise Prymmer allegedly attempted to hang a family dog and later beat it with a crowbar. Both pleaded not guilty and face preliminary hearings this month.
In a separate Sun Valley case, Emmanuel Perdomo allegedly set a caged cat on fire, then photographed the charred remains. He has been charged with both animal cruelty and arson and is undergoing a competency hearing.
Backyard fighting ring uncovered in Norwalk
Investigators also brought charges against Arturo Morales, who is accused of operating a cockfighting ring in Norwalk. Deputies discovered a shed outfitted for bird fighting, with cages of malnourished birds, some dead and others found with blades attached to their claws. Morales faces five felony counts, including possession of animals for fighting.
“The LAPD consistently pursues animal cruelty cases with integrity and intensity,” said Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, adding that officers continue to receive training on handling such cases.
In a case linked to suspected serial abuse, Miguel Abadmunoz allegedly used a butane torch to burn a Siamese cat and attempted to ignite a nearby apartment building. The cat was euthanized due to the severity of its burns. Abadmunoz faces three felony charges and a potential sentence exceeding 13 years.
Commitment to prosecution and coordination with agencies
Deputy District Attorney Kimberly Abourezk, who coordinates the Animal Cruelty Section, has been recognized for her leadership in managing these cases. Hochman said her work and that of her team reinforce the office’s role in protecting vulnerable animals.
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish also noted the public’s role in helping investigators identify suspects. In one local incident, community tips led to a swift arrest. “We remain committed to ensuring those who harm others — especially the most vulnerable — are held accountable,” Hebeish said.
Los Angeles officials reiterated that while some cases gain media attention, many more are quietly investigated and prosecuted each year. The recent filings mark one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on animal cruelty in the county in recent years.
Animal cruelty cases rise as DA vows zero tolerance
The felony cases are being prosecuted across multiple courthouses, with preliminary hearings scheduled throughout May and June. Each defendant has pleaded not guilty. Convictions could result in sentences ranging from three years in county jail to more than a decade in state prison.
“This type of cruelty has no place in our community,” said Hebeish, reflecting a broader sentiment echoed by law enforcement across jurisdictions.
With a rise in reported animal cruelty and its intersection with other violent behavior, Hochman reaffirmed the office’s dedication to pursuing these cases with full prosecutorial resources.
Los Angeles County’s surge in felony animal cruelty charges marks a dramatic escalation in prosecutorial efforts under DA Hochman.
