Santa Clara City Firefighter Pleads Not Guilty To Abuse, Death Of Puppy

A Santa Clara firefighter pleaded not guilty in Napa County Superior Court Wednesday to animal abuse charges in connection with the alleged killing of his 5-month-old German shepherd in Napa in December.

Nicholas Joseph Luiz, 32, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 9.

He faces three years and eight months in prison if convicted of the two felony charges, Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein said.

The complaint alleges the animal abuse occurred between October and December and that Luiz killed the puppy on Dec. 29 at his home on Massa Drive in Napa.

Napa police found the deceased dog at the residence on Dec. 30, but neighbors said Luiz had been abusing the puppy for months. Luiz admitted killing the dog, police Lt. Debbie Peecook said.

Luiz worked with the Santa Clara Fire Department for seven years and was taken off duty in late December, Fire Chief Bill Kelly said.

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