WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — A 27-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including animal cruelty, for allegedly breaking into his former roommate’s home and violently attacking the roommate’s dog before disposing of the animal from a balcony, authorities said.
Anmol Bhatia faces serious felony charges, including first-degree residential burglary and vandalism exceeding $400. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has also related an allegation that Bhatia inflicted violence upon a vulnerable victim—his ex-roommate, who is at least 65 years old.
The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend, prompting the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to identify Bhatia as a person of interest. Security footage captured a suspect entering a residence on Harper Street shortly before midnight on September 4.
Following the alleged break-in, Bhatia is accused of brutally slamming the dog to the ground, stomping on it, and then throwing the unresponsive animal off the balcony. Authorities later discovered the deceased dog in a construction site nearby, raising concerns about the nature of the attack.
In addition to the charges of animal cruelty, investigators believe Bhatia also vandalized various items at the victim’s residence. After the incident, he fled the scene but was apprehended by Beverly Hills police two days later.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman expressed outrage at the allegations. “The level of animal cruelty in this case is deeply disturbing,” he said. Hochman assured that the district attorney’s office is dedicated to fighting against it, citing that over 100 animal cruelty cases have been prosecuted just this year.
Bhatia is currently being held on a bail of $175,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 9, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold in this shocking case.