Oakland Police arrested 19-year old Hutcherson for killing a six-week old yellow Labrador Retrieve puppy after kicking it and slamming in on a sidewalk. The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has charged her with one count of felony animal abuse in the brutal attack. Police state that Hutcherson kicked the dog causing it to flip over five times, then slammed the puppy on the sidewalk twice.

Within minutes of the attack, a witness tried to save the puppy but it died. The Oakland Animal Services Veterinarian examined the puppy and found its skull was fractured and severely bruised. His necropsy report stated that ‘the puppy could not have died from any other cause than a severe traumatic blow to the head’.

Oakland Police spokesman, Roland Holmgren, stated that prosecutors charged Hutcherson with a felony because of the malicious and intentional nature of the killing.

Hutcherson remained in custody after her arrest by Oakland Police Officers.

Update 8/9/06:

Hutcherson has plead not guilty to one count of felony animal abuse. She is due back in court on Sept. 14th for a pre-trial hearing. She is free on $2,500 bail. If found guilty she can be fined up to $10,000 and spend up to 3 years in jail.

Update 1/9/07:

The felony charges (Alameda County Docket # 521079) against Hutcherson have been dismissed because of lack of evidence. The primary witness has left the country and was unavailable. The district attorney stated that should the witness become available again the charges would most likely be re-filed.

References:

CBS5

San Mateo County Times

San Francisco Chronicle

Oakland Tribune

Alameda Times-Star

Argus