A Los Angeles resident caught on video hitting his dog with a chain at a downtown apartment building will be granted probation after pleading no contest to animal cruelty.
Donald Jeffes, 41, of Los Angeles, was sentenced Monday to two years of probation and 300 hours of community service, according to the District Attorney's Office. He was also banned from keeping, possessing and caring for animals for the next 10 years.
On March 18, 2025, around 1:15 p.m., Jeffes was caught on video leading his dog, Rusty, by the collar and whipping him with a metal leash, according to prosecutors. Once the video was shared with police, Jeffes was arrested and charged.
“The alleged abuse captured on video in this case is not only deplorable: it is criminal,” the Los Angeles County District Court said. Lawyer. Nathan Hochman said in a news release announcing the case against Jeffes. “In Los Angeles County, we treat animal cruelty as a serious crime that will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our message is simple: if you abuse animals, you will face real consequences.”
Jeffes faced a maximum of three years in prison before pleading guilty Monday. In addition to being prohibited from owning animals, Jeffes was ordered to stay away from the person who reported him.
