Lizet Sariol, 46, of Temple City, pleaded guilty in January to a single felony count of conveying false and misleading information, specifically, implying that a United Airlines flight was endangered.

Sariol was ordered to serve two years probation, including community service. She will also have to undergo outpatient substance abuse treatment.

Sariol admitted to placing a 2 a.m. call on Sept. 25 to a United call center in Detroit, reporting that a Frenchman and his friends – who all have Arabic surnames – posed an unspecified threat to a flight scheduled to depart that day from Los Angeles International Airport to Las Vegas, then on to Paris, according to court papers.

A text Sariol sent to her former lover, Adnen Mansouri, said, “Don’t even try to get on the plane (I) called the fbi Sucks to be you hope you all have good attorneys, according to the court papers.

FBI agents intercepted the group at LAX. Mansouri said he knew he expected to be stopped by airport authorities as a result of being “harassed” by Sariol.

Mansouri told investigators that he had a four-night fling with Sariol while on vacation in Los Angeles, but broke it off hours before he was due to return to Paris. Mansouri’s friend, Salim Oumahdi, said they had been receiving threatening texts and Facebook postings from the woman in the preceding few hours, FBI Special Agent David Gates wrote in an affidavit.

Mansouri said he believed Sariol was angry because he “un-friended” her on Facebook.

Investigators who interviewed Sariol at a coffee shop in early October said she claimed she “freaked out” when her ex-lover kicked her out of the Beverly Hills house where he was staying the night before his return flight to Europe.

“I’m very sorry,” Sariol told the FBI interviewer.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — “Knuckles was kidnapped by my ex-girlfriend and the legal fees to retrieve him are going to bankrupt me.”

That’s the dramatic opening statement from a New York blogger who claims his puppy Knuckles was stolen by a former girlfriend when she moved to Los Angeles.

In a Manhattan state Supreme Court filing, Craig Dershowitz claimed ex-girlfriend Sarah Brega wrongfully took Knuckles after the couple ended their relationship — a claim which Brega has denied.

Dershowitz, 34, claims the bi-coastal custody battle has cost him as much as $60,000, and now he’s asking the public to help fund his legal efforts.

“I had to hire two private investigators to find [his ex-girlfriend],” said Dershowitz in a video posted online. “I know it sounds cool to be working with PIs, but it is not, and it’s incredibly costly.”

Dershowitz has even begun selling t-shirts, puppy kisses, and even a professional portrait inspired by Knuckles — which he describes as a half-pug, half-beagle mixed-breed — in order to reach his $20,000 fundraising goal.

As of Tuesday, 77 donors had pledged nearly $2,980 with just under a month before Dershowitz’s self-imposed June 16 deadline.

According to Dershowitz, a judge has already ruled that Knuckles should be in his custody.

But despite an uphill battle that has cost him his life savings, a visibly emotional Dershowitz vowed to see the campaign through to the end.

“All I want is to bring Knuckles back home to me,” said Dershowitz. “He really is my son.”

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A dog, who had been adopted from a shelter, was honored by spcaLA Monday for saving his owner’s life.

“Bear,” a Shiloh German Shepherd, is more than Debbie Zeisler’s best friend — she calls him her hero.

“I rescued him. He rescued me. So that’s kind of a life for a life and it’s a bond that cannot be broken,” Zeisler said.

She adopted Bear three years ago from a Texas animal shelter near her home. Bear was intended to be for her mother, but Bear did not want to leave Zeisler’s side.

“Within three days, he started showing me signs that he knew that something was wrong,” said Zeisler, who suffers from complex partial seizures.

Bear, without any known training, would remind her to take medication and even tried to keep her home one hot day in May when he sensed an oncoming seizure.

“When you’re body is about to undergo a big physical change, it begins to smell a little bit different, that humans perhaps can’t smell, but some animals can,” explained Madeline Bernstein of the spcaLA.

But Zeisler ignored Bear’s warning.

“I pushed past him, because I was waiting for something in the mail. And he tried to tell me. All I remember is falling down those stairs and the next thing I knew, the sheriff’s department was there,” Zeisler said.

Bear had gone for help.

“He circled the entire area that I live at. Looking for somebody,” she said.

He found an animal control officer.

“He made a beeline for her truck, jumped in and was literally like jiggling his head, so she could see he had tags. And that’s when she saw that he was a seizure dog. That’s how they got me,” Zeisler said.

“This is a shelter Shepherd, who saves her life every single day and is spcaLA’s 30th National Hero Dog recipient,” Bernstein announced at the ceremony.

The spcaLA and Zeisler want everyone to first consider adopting shelter dogs before buying from breeders.

“Because there is a hero in every shelter. And I know that for a fact,” Bernstein said.

In addition to the national honor, Bear also received a free year’s worth of food from Natural Balance, a basket of treats and a two-day stay in Los Angeles.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

» Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Los Angeles
» Animal Rescue Organizations
» Humane Societies And Shelters

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Police officers will be working with volunteers this weekend to try and rescue dozens of cats who were being fed for years by a church on Skid Row.

The Grace Church closed this week and now more than 50 cats and kittens have been forced to find food on the city streets.

For information on adopting or fostering one of these cats contact Voice For The Animals (VFTA) at (310) 392-5153 or e-mail them at adoption@vftafoundation.org.

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — Coby, a 10-month-old Golden Retriever and Chow Chow mix, is available for adoption through the Bark Avenue Foundation at (888) 452-7381 etx. 145.

Eleven members of the council approved the motion, which will be drafted by the City Attorney’s Office into an ordinance banning pet sales. Councilman Bill Rosendahl cast the dissenting vote.

Councilman Paul Koretz, who sponsored the motion, said the ban would help eliminate puppy mills and reduce the city’s animal euthanasia rates.

“Puppy mills are a very cruel practice with inhumane conditions that often result in the animals having many kinds of medical problems,” Koretz said.

The approved motion also directed the Animal Services Department to report back on how the proposed ban, if enacted, would affect kill rates at city shelters and its economic effect on pet stores. Koretz’s motion also asks the department to craft a way to distinguish pet shops that comply by selling rescue dogs, cats and rabbits from stores that sell other live animals like fish and reptiles.

The ban on pet sales would go into effect six months after the ordinance is enacted and would be for a temporary three-year trial period.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

An Animal Planet crew visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles for the April 14 episode of “Must Love Cats,” where they documented how four cats used an app called Paint for Cats.

The results were so compelling that the shelter turned them into notecards. The cards with drawings named “Study in Feather Toys” and “Movement in Catnip” are being sold online for $5.99 a pack.

Shelter president Madeline Bernstein says the cats had so much fun, they put used iPads on their wish list so other cats can paint, too.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

RANCHO PALOS VERDES (CBS) — Dog owners and their pooches have been enjoying a new dog beach in Rancho Palos Verdes but their time may be limited. City hall officials are reportedly thinking about rescinding the pilot program that allowed dogs to roam off-leash at that stretch of coastline.

“Then where do we go? That’s what I got to say,” said Duke Vandenberg, one of many dog owners who are upset by the news. “We can’t really go any place close and let our dogs run, so it’d be a real loss to lose this.”

Peter Von Hagen is one of many nearby residents who have complained. He lives across the street from Trump National Golf Course, which sits above the dog beach.

“The dogs don’t have to go to the beach. Mine never did. I never took my dogs to the beach. I don’t think it’s a necessity. There are plenty of places to exercise your dogs,” Von Hagen said.

Opponents cite dog feces, environmental impact and the danger dogs present to the small children who frequent the tide pools at the beach.

They also are concerned about parking. There is currently one small public parking lot for the area and residents say that’s not enough now that more people are frequenting the beach.

In an email, Trump National Golf Course said that, since the council approved the dog program last month, they’ve lost business and they’ve had dogs interrupt their $275 golf games.

The city council plans to meet next week to discuss the program.

Partnering up with veteran concert promoter Dave Furano and local restaurant owner/brewmaster Michael Zislis, the trio will open their first Rock & Brews on El Segundo’s Main Street on April 3.

The chain’s concept’s theme calls on the excitement of being backstage at a concert, according to a news release. The menu will offer appetizers as “Opening Acts,” “VIP” salads, “Headliner” sandwiches, “Front Row” pizzas and “Encores” desserts.

The restaurant will feature more than 40 craft beers on tap, according to a news release, with hundreds more available in the bottle or can, along with red and white wine offerings.

Rock & Brews restaurants are being touted as being family and dog friendly, with a play area for kids and a large open-air area where pets can hang out.

El Segundo’s Rock & Brews’ grand opening will be hosted by Simmons, Furano and Zislis and will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Plans are already in place for more Rock & Brews locations throughout Los Angeles, Maui, Denver, Atlanta, Tokyo and Los Cabos.

The county’s Department of Animals Services says a dog housed at the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley had the symptoms of the deadly virus and was quarantined. Other dogs may have been exposed to the infectious disease, symptoms of which include a persistent cough, fever and elevated breathing.

“Even though we have not yet confirmed this is a true canine influenza, we have reason to believe that is what we’re dealing with,” said Department of Animal Services Chief Veterinarian Dr. Allan Drusys. “And because of that suspicion, we’re getting in early and taking steps to isolate and eradicate.”

Drusys ordered 500 doses of the vaccine to inoculate dogs at the facility and says no animal with the flu will be euthanized.

The virus is spread from respiratory secretions and contaminated objects.

“Unfortunately, we cannot always control what might enter our shelter by means of a stray dog or cat,” Drusys said. “We are a potential depository of diseases. However, we have a strong team of veterinary and animal husbandry professionals that know how to address such serious health problems.”

Anyone concerned that their pet might have the canine flu was advised to take the animal to a veterinarian.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

VAN NUYS (CBS) — There is a brutal trend in the illegal dog fighting circuit that sacrifices smaller animals as bait to excite the dogs before they go in the ring.

CBS2’s Mike Dinow reports on “bait animals” and how more of them are being abandoned, clinging to life, and are in need of a good home.

“The bait allows the fighting dog to taste blood and allows that dog to think it’s OK,” said Kyle Schwab, who’s been rescuing dogs for the past 20 years and bringing them to his facility, “Smash Face Rescue”, in Van Nuys.

Schwab said 1-year-old “Zeke”, who is a bait animal survivor, was recently found on the verge of death. Zeke had dozens of puncture wounds and lacerations throughout his body. His swelling was so severe it led to an infection that restricted his breathing.

“His wounds, they’re all defensive – he has no offensive wounds,” Schwab said.

Zeke is one of many animals found abandoned and badly injured after they’ve been used as bait.

Lori Brooks of Hand, Paws and Hearts Rescue said she opened her dog rescue facility in Lancaster because hundreds of bait and other animals are being abandoned in the desert every year.

“They just drive out open the door and drop them off,” Brooks said.

Experts at the Humane Society said mostly very docile dogs and cats are used as bait animals because they won’t put up a fight. Usually, the only animals to survive are other pitbulls because of their high tolerance for pain and their ability to withstand unbelievable damage.

“Sometimes, they’ll cut their face up to draw blood on their face,” said Sasha Abelson, an independent dog rescuer, of how handlers treat the bait animals.

“People will steal family pets, cats, puppies and throw them into the rings to excite the fighting dogs,” according to Abelson.

Dog experts said fighting rings are in concentrated areas throughout Los Angeles, mainly in Pacoima, Panorama City, Sylmar and Van Nuys.

Schwab said as long as the people involved in these fighting rings continue to make huge profits they will continue to conduct dog fights and use defenseless bait animals to train them.

Authorities said you can qualify for a $5,000 reward by anonymously reporting a dog fighting ring by calling (877) NO2-FITE (662-3483).

Many of these bait animals are rescued and need good homes. To find out how you can adopt Zeke or another rescue dog e-mail smashfacerescue911@yahoo.com or handpawshearts.rescuegroups.org.

If you’d like to help donate towards Zeke’s surgeries go to http://leonardossurgery.chipin.com/zeke-white-bait-dog.

OJAI (CBS) — A veterinarian in Ventura County was attacked by a man upset that his dog died during a surgery.

Dr. Steve Sallen, of Ojai, was operating on Scott Wayne Doombos’ dog when the rare African breed passed away, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. The female dog, “Zeeka”, was being treated for a life-threatening infection.

(credit: CBS)

Upon hearing the news, Doombos drove to the veterinarian’s office and confronted him. Doombos said he was upset and attacked the animal doctor, causing him serious injuries.

Sallen suffered a broken nose, severe bruising and swelling to his left eye, where he had stitches applied.

“I’m terribly, terribly sorry that that had transpired. I had no intention of hurting anybody or anything,” Doombos said.

“We lost our loved one and I’m sure that [the veterinarian is] upset at losing a patient,” Doombos said. “It’s just something that went terribly wrong and, unfortunately, my dog was caught in the middle of this.”

(credit: CBS)

Doombos drove to the Ojai Police Department and turned himself in Thursday, authorities said.

Police said Doombos was arrested and will face a felony charge of battery with serious bodily injury. He was booked in the Ventura County jail and posted $20,000 bail. Doombos said that the incident was his first criminal offense.

Doombos admits that emotions were high and that tempers flared on both sides after he found out his best friend and family member died while in Dr. Sallen’s care.

“I talked to my dog like a child and told her everything was going to be OK and that she was going to be just fine. And, then, for that to happen, I can’t believe after the reassuring phone call [came] the disheartening phone call,” Doombos said.

He said no one at the Ojai Village Veterinary Hospital explained to him why or how Zeeka died.

Dr. Sallen would not appear on camera but family members told CBS2 that the injuries were disturbing and that the assault was unprovoked.

RANCHO PALOS VERDES (CBS) — A section of Rancho Palos Verdes could officially be going to the dogs.

Residents and city council members discussed whether to make a certain area of the shoreline a dog beach.

Every day, dogs can be seen on- and off-leash along a five-acre stretch off the Rancho Palos Verdes cliffs.

While most in the community support the plan there’s also been some very vocal opposition.

If city leaders approve a one year pilot program Tuesday night the beach below Trump National Golf Club would become the third legal dog beach in Los Angeles County.

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — The city of Los Angeles is fighting a growing problem with unlicensed pets.

It’s estimated that fewer than one-third of dogs in the LA-area are licensed.

Not only does it mean lost revenue for the city, but could put the owner at a risk.

Aimee Gilbreath, Executive Director of the Found Animals Foundation, appeared on KCAL9 News at 8 a.m. to discuss this and more.

For more information on pet licensing, click on the links below:
» Found Animals Foundation, Inc.
» Los Angeles Animal Services

STANTON (CBS) — A man and a woman caught on tape stealing a puppy from an Orange County pet store apparently felt some remorse, delivering an apology note and $600 to the business the next day, but authorities said that won’t get them off the hook.

(UPDATE 7:15p.m. Saturday) After saying that the apology note and $600 was not enough to get the puppy-pilfering duo off the hook, Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino now says no charges will be filed.

“They made full restitution and there will be no action taken at the request of the business,” Amormino told City News Service.

On Thursday, surveillance video caught the two suspects at Pet City in Stanton. The man could be seen jiggling the cages at Pet City to see if any were open.

(credit: CBS)

Moments later, the man asked the store clerk to see a dog.

While the employee set him up in a room to play with the pup, the woman he was with took a Chow from its cage and walked out.

The next day, the woman reportedly gave a shopper outside $20 to deliver the apology note and the cash to a store employee. The shopper called 911 but the female suspect, described as Latina, was gone by the time deputies arrived.

Several people have reportedly phoned in tips as to the identity of the puppy-nappers.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

MANHATTAN BEACH (CBS) — The reward amount has increased for the safe return of a three-month-old special needs puppy named “Harmony,” who was stolen from a family vehicle Tuesday in Manhattan Beach.

Harmony, a Boxer-American Bulldog mix was adopted just before Christmas by a family with four sons.

“It is just a dog to some people,” says Patrick Thomasson. “But to us, it was an instant part of our family.”

Thomasson had been visiting the rescue puppy for weeks, and asked his wife Shayla to get the dog for him as a Christmas gift.

“He asked me maybe ten times,” said Shayla. “He is really in love with her.”

The Thomassons had parked their car outside the Manhattan Village Shopping Center on Tuesday morning. Thieves jimmied a car door lock and made off with an iPad gift card and the dog.

“It kind of felt like the world dropped,” says Shayla.

The deaf puppy also had a canine companion named Bella, a terrier who could lead Harmony around. Bella was left behind by the robbers, and the family says she is depressed without Harmony.

The Thomasson family is now offering a $1,600 reward for Harmony’s safe return.

“Whoever has her, just give her back,” says Patrick. “We won’t ask any questions.”

Anyone with information on Harmony’s whereabouts is asked to contact The Lovejoy Foundation.

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — This week’s Pets2Love is 4-year-old Paco.

He is available for adoption the Shelter Hope Pet Shop at (323) 432-8138.

BALDWIN PARK (CBS) — A three-year-old pit bull mix is a lucky dog, thanks to a valiant rescue organized by the California Highway Patrol.

The pup was spotted living in the median of the San Bernardino (10) Freeway in Baldwin Park for over a week. Motorists and CHP officers reported seeing the dog dodging in and out of traffic on the busy highway.

Animal Control officers went to work Wednesday with a priority of saving the canine they named Rudolph, in honor of the holiday season.

CHP officers stopped traffic on the 10 around 1 p.m., while animal control officers moved in to rescue the stray.

Animal Control Officer Alfred Aguirre says Rudolph was likely not homeless for very long.

“We were able to go ahead and pet him, and kind of work with him a little bit,” says Aguirre. “Most animals we come in contact with that are feral, or stray for a long period of time actually don’t let us get too friendly.”

Rudolph will go up for adoption on Dec. 29.

“He’d make a great pet for anybody that’s looking for a dog like this,” says Aguirre. “As long as it’s a nicely fenced in yard.”