*UPDATE 10/17/2025 - Mr. Coleman and Ms. Alcala were sentenced by Judge Yvette Verastegui, not Judge Mark Arnold, as originally stated. Judge Verastegui also reduced Alcala's felony charges to misdemeanors.

LOS ANGELES (October 9, 2025) — In Defense of Animals decries the conviction and sentencing of Joeboury Coleman, who was charged with animal cruelty after he was caught on camera dropping Egypt, a 7-month-old puppy down a multi-story stairwell. 

On October 7, Coleman and his co-defendant Shayla Alcala both pleaded open to the court. Coleman was sentenced by Judge Yvette Verastegui to two years in state prison, with 397 days served. 

Alcala's two felony charges for failing to provide veterinary care to a cat were reduced to misdemeanors and she was sentenced to one year summary probation, search and seizure terms, 24 animal cruelty classes and 24 individual counseling sessions. 

The sentences were handed down over the strenuous objection of Deputy District Attorney Michael Belcher, who was prepared to go to trial. 

On July 7, 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to callers who saw videos on social media of a dog being abused, “including being kicked and thrown from a multi-story stairway by a male individual.” 

Officers located the dog and took her to the North Central Animal Shelter, where she was treated for a broken hind leg and poor nutrition. She has since been adopted. A second dog and cat were also removed from the apartment. 

In Defense of Animals led a campaign to see a strong conviction for Coleman, noting the strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. A letter mailed by the organization to Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon signed by 19,388 members of the public supported Coleman’s prosecution, incarceration, and mental health management.

“We’re pleased the judge handed down prison time here, but more needs to be done to address animal cruelty,” added Doll Stanley, who leads In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals campaign. “This case could have gone to trial, and seen a harsher penalty, which still isn’t enough to deter this kind of horrific treatment of animals. Though prosecutors are seeking jail time our legislators are failing to enact penalties that reflect the epidemic of violence to animals.” 

In Defense of Animals stands in support of the prosecution and when possible, the intervention of individuals who may be aided through a stringent mental health program. It is paramount that animal cruelty be taken seriously by law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges.

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Video: https://youtu.be/ZskeU7Tt2Xc

Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin Co., California, with over 250,000 supporters and fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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