SLIDELL, La. — A Louisiana man is behind bars after police said he abused his estranged girlfriend's dog in an incident that was caught on a Ring doorbell camera.
According to the Slidell Police Department, Shane Michael Mitchell, 30, of Arnaudville, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty Tuesday in connection with the incident, which occurred Sunday at a Spartan Drive apartment complex.
Officers apprehended Mitchell about 11 a.m. Tuesday and booked him into the Slidell City Jail. Police also returned the dog to her owner, authorities said.
Police said they issued a warrant for Mitchell after a doorbell video that appears to show him choking the dog, Rubyjean, went viral on social media. Mitchell then took the dog and refused to give her back to his ex-girlfriend, police said.
“I was sick to my stomach watching that video,” Slidell police Chief Randy Fandal said in a statement. "How someone can hurt a defenseless animal is beyond me. I had the opportunity to meet Rubyjean this afternoon, and she was as sweet and well-mannered as could be. We are glad this had a happy ending for both the dog and her owner.”
Authorities are still investigating the case and may file more charges against Mitchell, police said.