LOS ANGELES, CALIF. — A Los Angeles man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after surveillance footage allegedly showed him beating his dog with a metal chain leash inside a downtown apartment building, officials said Thursday.
Donald Jeffes, 40, was charged with one felony count of cruelty to an animal in case number 25CJCF01981, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Jeffes pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on April 18 and was released on electronic monitoring while awaiting trial.
Prosecutors say the incident occurred March 18 around 1:15 p.m., when Jeffes was allegedly seen on video carrying his dog — an American Micro Bully named Rusty — by the collar and repeatedly striking the animal with a chain leash.
“The alleged abuse captured on videos in this case is not just deplorable — it’s criminal,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. “In Los Angeles County, we treat animal cruelty as a serious offense that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
A judge ordered Jeffes to stay away from the person who reported the incident and barred him from owning or caring for animals while the case is pending. Prosecutors had requested home confinement, but the court opted for electronic monitoring.
Hearing set for May 1
The preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1 in Department 31 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If convicted, Jeffes could face up to three years in state prison.
Key Points
- Donald Jeffes is charged with felony animal cruelty after allegedly beating his dog with a chain leash
- Video evidence reportedly shows the March 18 incident inside a downtown Los Angeles apartment building
- Jeffes is out on electronic monitoring and barred from animal custody pending his May 1 court date
Rusty’s condition following the alleged abuse has not been disclosed by authorities. No further charges have been announced at this time.
