Following a Humane Rescue Alliance investigation into the alleged physical abuse of a dog, Ryan Butler of Washington, D.C., was arrested today on a warrant obtained by HRA Humane Law Enforcement officers and charged with cruelty to animals.
The investigation began when a member of the public shared video footage with HRA that showed a man grabbing a puppy by the neck and striking her more than 15 times, some of which involved him winding up before making contact. In the video, you can hear the strikes and the puppy shrieking as each punch landed.
On Nov. 22, 2019, Humane Law Enforcement officers with HRA rescued the puppy, who HLE officers named Lois, from the premises under a search and seizure warrant. HRA has since adopted Lois out to a new family.
“Your tips help make it possible for us to rescue animals from cruelty, neglect, and abuse,” said Chris Schindler, Vice President of Field Services at the Humane Rescue Alliance. “Without you, we couldn’t do this work.”
This is HRA’s second animal cruelty arrest in one week.