A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles investigation led to a felony animal cruelty conviction against Terrance Hawkins of Los Angeles.
Hawkins threw his girlfriend’s dog out of a fifth story window during an argument.
Bizzie, the American Eskimo dog succumbed to his injuries and perished after 12 days in intensive veterinary care.
“We see this so often in rescue. It’s horrific what people will do to animals,” said Danielle Robertson, an animal rights activist.
Hawkins pleaded guilty to PC 597a, cruelty to animals and was sentenced to 16 months in custody. Restitution hearing, probation and sentencing is scheduled for March 12.
“Where domestic violence is present, animal cruelty and child abuse can usually be found – we call it the link,” said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein.
“The cycle of violence continues until it is broken by law enforcement, education or other intervention,” said Bernstein.
SpcaLA offers the animal safety net program which provides free boarding and veterinary care for the animals of domestic violence victims at an undisclosed location, so they may flee a dangerous situation without fear for the safety of their pets.
Humane officers responded to an anonymous tip from the spcaLA Animal Cruelty Tip line.
To report animal cruelty, call the spcaLA Animal Cruelty Tip line at 1-800-540-SPCA (7722) or report online at www.spcaLA.com.