Disturbing Video Shows Man Allegedly Abusing His Pug at a Posh California Marina

A 32-year-old California man has been arrested after surveillance footage allegedly showed him abusing a pug at a Huntington Beach marina.

William Kenneth Slocum, of Desert Hot Springs, was arrested early on 20 September after Secure Tel LLC, a Corona-based virtual live-monitoring company, captured the incident at Huntington Harbour Marina.

Company owner Steve Tripp told KTLA that he alerted police after reviewing the footage. The video allegedly shows Slocum lifting the small dog over his shoulder by its leash, leaving it suspended above the ground and restricting its airway.

Tripp said the dog 'appeared to be in distress', describing it as walking crookedly with its tongue hanging out.

The footage then allegedly shows Slocum sitting down while the pug displayed signs of distress. He is also accused of punching the dog at least twice.

Police Arrest Slocum at the Scene

Tripp said Slocum appeared to be behaving erratically during the incident. He suggested the man may have been under the influence, citing unusual behaviour including licking his own hands. However, that observation has not been independently confirmed by police, and authorities have not publicly stated that Slocum was intoxicated at the time of the alleged attack.

According to Tripp, the dog was later tied to a gate and appeared to pace repeatedly in circles before officers arrived. The pug was subsequently removed from the scene and handed over to Orange County Animal Care.

Authorities have not released further details about the pug's injuries or current medical condition.

Huntington Beach Police Department records show Slocum was booked at 1:05 a.m. on 20 September on a felony charge of intentional cruelty to an animal. Police arrested him at the scene following the reported incident.

The charge remains an allegation, and Slocum is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Secure Tel said on Instagram: 'Every day we are reminded of how important our job is. From vandals, thieves, to now animal abusers, Secure Tel remains dedicated to keeping people, property, and animals safe.'

What California Law Says About Animal Cruelty

California's Penal Code Section 597 makes several forms of animal mistreatment criminal offences. The law covers malicious and intentional acts including maiming, mutilating, torturing or wounding a living animal. It also prohibits cruelly beating an animal, causing needless suffering, inflicting unnecessary cruelty and failing to provide proper food, drink, shelter or protection from the weather.

A violation of Section 597 can be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanour. A felony conviction can carry imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000 (£15,000), while the misdemeanour alternative can carry up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $20,000 (£15,000). The precise penalty depends on the circumstances and the court's ruling.

California law also permits authorities to seize animals when there are reasonable grounds to believe immediate action is necessary to protect an animal's health or safety. Courts can ultimately order forfeiture and, following conviction, may prohibit a person from owning, possessing or caring for animals as a condition of probation.

In Huntington Beach, animal-control services are provided through Orange County Animal Care under an agreement with the city, including services involving animal welfare and cruelty investigations.