Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Las Vegas man accused of beating dog faces animal-cruelty charge

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Ray Cozart

Click to enlarge photo

Kilo

A Las Vegas man was charged with felony cruelty to animals for allegedly beating his dog, breaking its ribs and causing the animal’s head to swell, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office announced today.

Ray Cozart, 30, is suspected of throwing the pit bull against a wall and beating the animal with a rock and a hammer handle, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The abuse, which allegedly occurred three separate times between July 15 and Oct. 13, was reported to the county’s animal control division, officials said.

The dog, named Kilo, appeared playful when it was inspected by animal control officials, but it ultimately was removed Oct. 15 from Cozart’s home to be evaluated by a veterinarian, who determined the dog had been abused, officials said.

It was the first case of suspected animal abuse in the county in which officials seized a dog to examine it, officials said.

“Animal abuse is a serious offense that will not be tolerated,” District Attorney Steve Wolfson said in a prepared statement. “We take all allegations of abuse very seriously and pursue criminal charges, when appropriate.”

Animal cruelty is a category C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

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