26-03-2025
Man plead guilty to fatally kicking dog at boarding facility
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A former City Dog employee pled guilty Wednesday to fatally kicking a dog in a boarding facility, according to the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA).
The HRA said Jovan Hawkin pled guilty to fatally kicking a four-year-old Shih Tzu mix named Appa in May 2024 at a City Dogs boarding facility.
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According to the HRA, Hawkin initially claimed he slipped and fell on the dog, but after investigation by HRA Humane Law Enforcement, his story was proven false.
After reviewing security footage and conducting a necropsy report, it was determined that Hawkin kicked the dog.
The dog died after sustaining multiple blunt force traumas.
The HRA explained this is the second recent instance of a dog being fatally kicked, with another man being sentenced for the same crime.
The HRA said Adriano Demorais was recently sentenced for felony cruelty to animals after pleading guilty to fatally kicking a 5-month-old puppy named Bronny while working at District Dogs.
The HRA said Demorais was sentenced to one year of probation, a $100 fine, 20 hours of community service, six months confinement suspended, and a stay away order stating he may not own, live with, care for, or work with animals.
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'It is deeply troubling to know that two dogs were killed within the span of just a few months by those entrusted to keep them safe,' said Timothy Moyer, director of Animal Protection Operations at the Humane Rescue Alliance. 'While nothing can undo the harm done to Bronny and Appa, it is my hope that the outcomes of their cases will bring some measure of closure to their families.'
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