Suspect in Dog Abuse Case Arrested by LAPD Detectives NR25077ti/lg

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division Burglary detectives announce the arrest of an Animal Cruelty Suspect.

On March 19, 2025, around 7:15 a.m., Central Division officers responded to a radio call regarding an animal cruelty investigation near the 600 block of South Spring Street. Officers met with the reporting party, who showed them a video depicting the suspect walking in a hallway and striking a dog with a metal leash. The dog was later identified as a 5-year-old Bulldog named “Rusty.” Officers completed a crime report for animal cruelty and cleared the location.

On March 24, 2025, detectives conducted a follow-up investigation and obtained additional video evidence showing the same suspect striking the dog on multiple occasions. On this date the dog received treatment from a veterinarian and was subsequently released back into the custody of the suspect.

This case was presented to the Deputy District Attorney’s Office who filed (1) count of Felony Animal Cruelty.

On April 17, 2025, around 2:06 p.m., Central Division Burglary detectives served a search warrant near the 600 block of South Spring Street and arrested 40-year-old Donald Jeffes for felony animal cruelty (Booking Number 7000004). At the time the warrant was served, there was no evidence that the dog was still residing at the location.

Los Angeles Police Department is committed to investigating and presenting cases to the District Attorney’s Office when Animals are being abused or neglected. If you are a witness or become aware of Animal Cruelty, Abuse or neglect, please call animal services at (888) 452-7381.

If you have any additional information concerning this case, please contact Detective Roberto Gutierrez at (213) 924-8930. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.