Jonathon Lamarr Little was arrested on a warrant obtained by Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) Humane Law Enforcement Officers and charged with animal cruelty. Mr. Little turned himself in yesterday to the US Marshals Service and was arraigned today in Superior Court District of Columbia.
On December 26, HRA received a call alleging a man was cruelly beating his dog. The caller stated that the man was seen aggressively whipping the dog with a leash, picking the dog up off the ground by the leash and shaking the dog.
During the investigation, a resident in the area provided surveillance video that corroborated the caller’s description of what happened to the dog. Other witnesses placed Mr. Little at the scene.
“The surveillance video in this case is shocking,” said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of HRA. “Cruelty is illegal. Any person who treats their pet in this manner should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
On January 8, a search warrant was executed, and the dog was seized and taken to HRA where Officers found the dog to have abrasions, scabbing, and cuts about her body. She also appeared fearful and hand-shy, a telling sign of abuse.
The dog will remain in HRA’s care for the duration of the case.