Outrage Erupts Over Video Showing Man Beating Leashed Dog

ANAHEIM, CA — A man was captured on a doorbell camera kicking and punching a leashed dog as the animal cowered and tried to escape in the hallway of an Anaheim apartment building Thursday night. The video was posted to social media, triggering widespread outrage and a police investigation Sunday.

The incident occurred at the Gateway Apartment Homes in the 2100 block of South State College Boulevard. After the troubling video was shared on social media, detectives canvassed the area, interviewing potential witnesses and searching for security footage that might help identify the suspect, said Anaheim Police Department Sgt. Jacob Gallacher.

"They were able to get some workable investigative leads, and we are working those at this time," Gallacher said Sunday.

As of Sunday afternoon, authorities had not made an arrest in connection with the case. Police and OC Animal Care officials are also working together to find the dog to assess its injuries and make sure the animal is safe.

The video shows a man charging toward a dog at the end of a hallway. The dog, which appears to be a black doodle or poodle, ducks and attempts to swerve around the man. He gives chase and corners the cowering animal, getting down on his knees and punching it. Then he stands up again and kicks it into the corner. He grabs the dog's leash and drags it down the hallway while periodically kicking the animal into the wall.

"I would never treat our dog that way," Anaheim resident Nick Lunetta told ABC7. "That was disgusting."

Brenda Medina told ABC7 she can't understand how anyone could hurt their pet like that.

"Animals are so defenseless," she said. "They trust us to take care of them, feed them, love them. I feel like there's a special place in Hell for people like that"

Anyone who recognizes the man in the video or has information about the case is urged to call the Anaheim Police Department at 714-321-3669.