Man Punches, Strangles Dog In San Bruno 'Numerous Times': Cops

SAN BRUNO, CA — A man is facing animal cruelty charges after punch and strangling a dog in San Bruno on Labor Day, San Bruno police said on Wednesday. The man, 57-year-old Kevin Dempster of South San Francisco, is now in jail and the pup is with rescue officials.

It happened around 8:30 p.m. Monday in the 100 block of El Camino Real, according to San Bruno Police Lt. Ryan Johansen.

Johansen said police received a report "of a subject punching a dog" and discovered Dempster had "punched and strangled a small dog numerous times."

"The dog was eventually able to escape and run into a local business," the lieutenant said. "Dempster was arrested and booked at the San Mateo County Jail for charges related to animal cruelty."

The dog was taken to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA — but not before catching some snuggles from local police officers, as pictured above.

Anyone with information related to the case was asked to contact the San Bruno Police Department at (650) 616-7100 or by email at sbpdtipline@sanbruno.ca.gov.

— Image courtesy San Bruno Police Department