Crime & Safety

Newport Man Pleads Guilty to Abusing Puppy

Authorities say Verne Joseph Strong swung an 8-pound puppy around by its leash.

A Newport Beach man pleaded guilty Thursday to one misdemeanor count of animal abuse for swinging an 8-pound puppy around by its leash during an argument with his girlfriend, the Orange County district attorney's office reported.

Verne Joseph Strong, 57, was sentenced to time served. He also was sentenced to three years' probation. Prosecutors had unsuccessfully pushed for a felony charge and prison sentence.

Authorities say Strong, who has a prior conviction for commercial burglary, got into an argument with Angel Marie Holmes, 37, of Newport Beach in July while in the parking lot of a Westminster Walmart. During the argument, Strong took the 8-month-old chihuahua-dachshund mix, Meanie, from his car and swung the dog several feet off the ground by its leash. He then kicked the dog, the district attorney's office said.

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Witnesses called 911. Westminster police officers found Strong and Holmes sleeping in their car in the parking lot. When an officer approached the car, the puppy began to bark, and Strong slapped the dog twice, authorities said.

Holmes is charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact and faces a maximum sentence of three years in state prison. She failed to appear for her arraignment,  and there is a $25,000 warrant for her arrest. Authorities say she lied to officers to help Strong avoid prosecution.

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The puppy was taken to the humane society in Westminster. It is still at the shelter and has recovered. Strong was ordered to pay restitution to the shelter for care of the puppy.


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