Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

Los Angeles, CA – Darian David Webb (DOB 02-02-1970) pleaded guilty in court case #BA465398 to one felony count of Penal Code 597(b), animal cruelty, for his part in the neglect of Bosco, a three-year-old Cane Corso in his care. The conviction is the result of an investigation by Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA).

Webb was sentenced to three years formal probation with three years of state prison suspended, 20 days of Cal Trans community service, a 16-session animal neglect class, 10-year prohibition on possessing, owning, or having custody of any animals per PC 597.9, search conditions, $400 fine, and restitution. The restitution hearing is set for October 31, 2018.
spcaLA Humane Officers responding to an animal cruelty tip on the 700 block of W. 59th Street in Los Angeles, CA, found a thin, but alert Bosco, with a mange-like skin condition. After Warnings of Violation were ignored, spcaLA and officers from LAPD 77th Division executed a search warrant and removed Bosco from the property.

Bosco (video available) was immediately taken to a veterinary hospital where he received medical care. Upon examination, Bosco’s recorded weight was approximately 105 pounds. An ideal weight for his age and breed would be between 125-147 pounds. The veterinarian concluded that Bosco “suffered and is in pain due to his lack of adequate medical care, husbandry, and provision of his daily needs” and that his condition was due to chronic neglect.” Furthermore, “if Bosco’s level of neglect continued, he would have been at a high risk of death as a result of malnutrition.”

During the last year with spcaLA, Bosco received medical care that addressed his skin condition and malnutrition, and extensive one-on-one training with the spcaLA Animal Behavior and Training Department.

Earlier this month, a loving family adopted Bosco. According to Sara Taylor CPDT-KA, Director of spcaLA Animal Behavior and Training Department, the adopting family is a perfect fit for Bosco: “They have always rescued large breed dogs, use positive reinforcement training methods, and are sensitive to the dog’s temperament and needs.”

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 323-730-5300 x233.