Man Pleads Not Guilty After Viral Video Shows Dog Slammed to the Ground

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Columbus Man Pleads Not Guilty After Viral Video Shows Him Throwing Dog to the Ground

A Columbus man caught on video allegedly slamming a dog to the ground has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty. The shocking footage, which spread rapidly across social media, sparked widespread outrage and prompted an immediate investigation by Columbus Humane.

The incident took place on October 22 and was captured by a security camera. In the video, the man can be seen lifting a dog by the scruff of her neck before forcefully throwing her onto the ground. Columbus Humane quickly launched an investigation and later identified both the man and the dog, a female named Karma. She was safely removed from the home a week later on October 29 and placed under the care of the organization.

According to court records, the man faces two misdemeanor counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals. If convicted, he could face several months in jail, along with substantial fines. The case is being overseen by Judge Stephanie Mingo, who emphasized that the ruling could also determine Karma’s future placement.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Mingo ordered the man to pay $1,259.25 to cover the cost of Karma’s ongoing care while she remains in the custody of Columbus Humane. “Should bond not be posted by November 15, 2025, the animal is ordered to be forfeited and surrendered to Columbus Humane,” the judge declared.

A family in Seattle dropped their dog, a black lab named Mitch, off at a local kennel one day, not expecting anything unusual to occur. But Mitch's stay at the kennel ended with an employee brutally kicking and punching him - to the point of death.

Columbus Humane confirmed that the man must continue paying monthly care fees to retain temporary ownership rights while the court proceedings are underway. Failure to make those payments will result in the organization taking permanent custody of Karma.

Officials from Columbus Humane told local outlet 10 Investigates that Karma is currently receiving attentive care, medical evaluation, and behavioral support while awaiting the outcome of the court case. Representatives stressed that animal cruelty cases are handled with great seriousness and that each situation undergoes a full review to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals involved.

Animal welfare advocates have expressed outrage over the video, calling for harsher penalties for individuals found guilty of cruelty toward companion animals. The viral nature of the footage has reignited conversations about Ohio’s animal protection laws and whether stronger enforcement and legislative changes are needed to prevent similar cases in the future.

For now, Karma remains in the protection of Columbus Humane, where staff say she is recovering emotionally and physically. The final decision regarding her long-term care will be made once the criminal proceedings conclude. The man’s next scheduled court appearance is set for December 3.

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