Man Caught on Video Beating His Dog Pleads Guilty

German Shepherd wearing harness with whiteboard behind him with text 'Sam Case #15-0361. Ofc: Wilson'

Los Angeles, CA — A 22-year-old man who was caught on video repeatedly striking his 2 year old German Shepherd, “Sam” in the head, pled guilty today to animal cruelty charges in accordance with California Penal Code 597a in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Victor Almendariz (DOB: 06-19-1992) was convicted on one count misdemeanor animal cruelty in case #5FF00619 before Judge Gustavo Sztraicher at the Metropolitan Court House. Deputy District Attorney Kelly Sakir prosecuted the case. Charges were brought against Mr. Almendariz as a result of an animal cruelty investigation by Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA).

Video shot by an anonymous tipster was sent to spcaLA Humane Officers in January of 2015. Upon investigation of Mr. Almendariz, three German Shepherds including Sam were found and removed from his home. The dogs were brought to spcaLA for medical care.

Mr. Almendariz was sentenced to 500 hours of community labor; 5 years probation; Level II animal abuse counseling (48 week program); and may own no animals for five years. Mr. Alemndariz must also undergo a psychological evaluation and pay restitution. As a condition of probation, he waived his 4th amendment right and is subject to search and seizure at all times. Any violation of these terms of probation could result in 180 days jail time.