spcaLA Assists Central California SPCA in Animal Cruelty Felony Conviction

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Mark Grahmann formerly of Fresno, CA pled guilty to PC 597(a) felony animal abuse charges and was sentenced to 180 days in jail, three years of probation, required mental health counseling, and 10 years without any animal ownership rights. He was immediately handcuffed and placed in custody. The charges are the result of an investigation by Central California SPCA (CCSPCA) with assistance from Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA).

Left to Right: Graham, Graham, Grahmann. Photos courtesy CCSPCA

In May 2016, (CCSPCA) received a report from a man claiming that his partner, Grahmann, was torturing his dog, Graham. The reporting person found video evidence of Grahmann’s disgraceful acts of animal cruelty, as the videos displayed Graham bound, suspended in mid-air, and tortured on numerous differing occasions. A search warrant was issued and CCSPCA, along with four Humane Officers from Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA), served the warrant. He was charged with the felony in March 2017.

Walter Salvari of CCSPCA made this statement: “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the District Attorney’s office with animal cruelty cases. We also appreciate the support, professionalism, and helping hand spcaLA provided in this case and look forward to working with spcaLA in the future.”

spcaLA routinely works with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate animal cruelty. “spcaLA is happy to offer assistance, collaborate, or work with any agency that is committed to enforcing animal cruelty laws,” said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein.

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. Established in 1877, 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.