Man arrested for suspected battery and animal abuse in Twentynine Palms
A Twentynine Palms man was arrested for investigation into domestic violence after his girlfriend intervened in his abuse of a pet dog.
On Saturday (August 2) at 5:55 p.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of animal abuse in the 6000 block Cahuilla Avenue in Twentynine Palms. Deputies say that Tristian Atherley, 24, was attempting to silence his pitbull, who was barking in a crate. Deputies say that Atherley opened the crate and punched the dog, at which point the dog bit Atherley.
The suspect’s girlfriend told deputies that Atherley removed the dog from the crate and began choking it. The girlfriend said she intervened in the abuse, at which point Atherley hit her with one hand and continued choking the dog with his other hand. Two other people at the scene attempted to intervene, and deputies say that Atherley pushed both away, injuring one of the victims.
The girlfriend and the two other people were able to subdue Atherley until deputies arrived, and he was taken into custody without further incident. The dog was taken by Twentynine Palms Animal Control and was treated for injuries. It has since fully recovered.
Tristian Atherley was arrested for investigation into battery and animal abuse, and is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $80,000 bail.
