Man Faces Felony Count In Striking Dog With Metal Chain

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A man faces one felony count of animal cruelty after striking his German shepherd named Kaiser with a metal chain leash, authorities said.

City News Service says Mohamad Taghavi pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Friday.

The 30-year-old man is accused of punching Kaiser multiple times and striking the 3-year-old dog with a metal chain leash, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.

The incident occurred Sept. 10 at a food truck on Castaic Street in Castaic, the statement said.

Authorities said Taghavi faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison if convicted as charged.

Authorities also said Kaiser has since been relocated and was being cared for at the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.