Man Who Abused Cane Corso Charged with Felony

Los Angeles, CA – This morning, Darian David Webb (DOB 02-02-1970) was brought into custody and charged with 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 charges are the result of an investigation by Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA). Webb was taken into custody and booked by the Los Angeles Police Department Fugitive Task Force of the 77th Division (Booking #5237469). Webb is held on $70,000 bail.

In November 2017, spcaLA Humane Officers responded to an animal cruelty tip on the 700 block of W. 59th Street in Los Angeles, CA. In a side yard of the residence, officers found a thin, but alert Bosco, with a mange-like skin condition. Officers ordered veterinary care for Bosco, but the Warning of Violation was ignored despite numerous attempts. In December, with no compliance and Bosco’s condition worsening, spcaLA executed a search warrant and removed Bosco from the property.

Bosco 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.”

According to eye witness accounts, Webb received Bosco as a puppy and had provided care for him, but in recent months, Webb ceased feeding or watering Bosco, allowing him to slowly starve. Alarmed neighbors offered food to Bosco, and even a free health exam coupon for a local vet, but Webb ignored their pleas to properly care for his dog.

After one month in spcaLA’s care, Bosco recorded a 16% weight gain of 17 pounds. Bosco is also receiving one-on-one work with the spcaLA Animal Behavior & Training Department. Bosco will remain in spcaLA’s care with the goal of finding him a permanent and loving home.

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.