Crime & Safety

L.A. Man Pleads Not Guilty in Dog's Beating

Eric James Fowler was arrested Wednesday, after sheriff's deputies driving through an unincorporated area of Los Angeles allegedly observed him kicking and stomping on a white object that deputies realized was a dog as they got closer.

A Los Angeles man accused of beating his dog pleaded not guilty Friday to a felony animal cruelty charge.

Eric James Fowler, 40, was ordered to remain jailed in lieu of $120,000 bail while awaiting a hearing March 20 to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial..

Fowler was arrested Wednesday, after sheriff's deputies driving through an unincorporated area of Los Angeles allegedly observed him kicking and stomping on a white object that deputies realized was a dog as they got closer.

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The deputies yelled at Fowler to stop, according to Deputy District Attorney Cindy Waterman.

The dog—which was motionless—eventually struggled to its feet and was taken to a shelter, where it remains, for a medical exam, according to the District Attorney's Office.

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If convicted as charged, Fowler faces up to six years in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

—City News Service

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