spcaLA investigation yields felony, misdemeanor counts
Los Angeles, CA– Devund Keiymontae Tinson AKA David Cunningham (DOB 10-12-98), who under his alias ran last year as a candidate for the Los Angeles City Council District 9 seat, pleaded guilty to PC 529(a)(2), Felony False Impersonation of a Written Instrument, and PC597s(a) Misdemeanor Animal Abandonment in his treatment of Moose, a male Husky dog mix, in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Los Angeles. The plea is the result of a case investigated by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA).
Moose enjoying the holidays with his brother, Moose camping
Tinson is sentenced to two (2) years’ probation for the felony; one (1) year summary probation for the misdemeanor. He must complete the full Benchmark Animal Rehabilitative Curriculum (BARC) animal cruelty course (16 classes), as well as one-hundred (100) hours of community service. In addition, Tinson consented to waiving his Fourth Amendment rights and is subject to search or seizure at any time for the duration of his probation. Lastly the court imposed a five (5) year ban prohibiting him from owning or associating with any animals, and ordered him to pay $1,179.54 restitution to spcaLA.
spcaLA Humane Officers began an investigation in January 2020 from complaints that Tinson had abused and subsequently abandoned, Moose (SEE VIDEOS). The investigation revealed that Tinson falsified medical records and committed forgery in order to dupe his landlord into allowing Tinson to keep an emotional support animal in his rented apartment.
After his abandonment, Moose found himself impounded as a stray dog by Los Angeles Animal Care Services. Moose was relinquished to spcaLA’s care and ultimately adopted to a fabulous new home in San Diego.
His new family says of him, “(He) has been the sweetest, most loving creature since the moment he came into our home. He is incredibly respectful of my senior Husky, he adores children and babies and he must always be near his people. He brings joy to our lives every day–thank you for the work you do to save dogs like (him) who just want a chance to give and receive love.” (SEE PICS)
spcaLA is the only private animal welfare organization in Los Angeles that is also Law Enforcement. spcaLA Humane Officers hold the same powers of Peace Officers in the state of California when investigating animal cruelty. spcaLA is a non-profit agency that relies on donations for its programs and services, including animal cruelty investigations. To donate, please visit spcaLA.com or call 323-334-4485.