SMPD Arrests Woman for Animal Cruelty on Washington Avenue Near 5th Street in Santa Monica

Six units of the Santa Monica Police Department responded to neighbors calls Monday afternoon, about a dog who was squealing in pain. This included one unit from the Animal Control division, who ended up removing a small, older female Yorkie or other dog from an apartment in the neighborhood. Monday afternoon, police issued the following press release:

"At about 2:55 PM, Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of Washington Ave," wrote Rudy Flores, Public Information Officer.

"Several residents, including a family member, called to report a female beating a dog while inside her residence. SMPD Officers arrived 3 minutes later and were directed to the suspect and a dog with visible injuries. Animal Control Officers responded and rushed the dog to a local emergency center. SMPD Officers have arrested a 20 year old female for felony animal cruelty. The dog continues to be evaluated and cared for by the veterinarian."

California Penal Code Section 597 defines Animal Abuse and Cruelty as "Anyone who intentionally maims, tortures, wounds, or kills an animal is guilty of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a California state prison, a fine $20,000, or both, or up to one year in a county jail."