Puppy's beating near Riverside spurs outrage, demands for action

Reporting from Riverside — After weeks of protest and outrage, dozens of demonstrators Thursday celebrated the arrest of Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Glynn Johnson, who stands accused of savagely beating a neighbor's puppy last month with a rock.

Carrying signs saying "Jail the Puppy Killer!," about 50 people marched in front of the Riverside County district attorney's office chanting, "Thank you, D.A.; now make Johnson pay."

Johnson, 54, was arrested Tuesday, charged with one count of felony animal cruelty and the use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a felony. He was released on $10,000 bail and faces up to four years in jail if convicted in the beating of 6-month-old Karley, a shepherd mix.

Johnson, who could not be reached for comment Thursday, reportedly told investigators that he acted in self-defense.

For the last few weeks, protesters have rallied in front of the district attorney's office. Some believe Johnson's status as a fire chief won him special treatment. They are demanding that he be fired.

"There were witnesses to this crime, and sheriff's deputies could have arrested him that day," said Jeffrey Toole, who co-owned Karley with his wife, Shelley. "Did he get special treatment? Yes, he did. If I had done that to his dog, I guarantee you I'd be in jail that day."

Assistant Dist. Atty. Chuck Hughes said the arrest took time because more investigation was needed.

"He was not afforded any special treatment and his employment played no role in when we filed charges," Hughes said. "When a case gets submitted we review it. . . . If more evidence is needed, we send it back."

The incident has generated national attention and served as a rallying cry for those seeking harsher penalties against animal abusers. Hundreds of people from around the nation have called the Tooles offering support.

The family has set up a website (justice4karley.com), and a group of retired Los Angeles County firefighters has established a fund to help pay legal costs as the family pursues a civil case against Johnson.

"We had no idea we would get this kind of support," Toole said. "We would like to see the laws change. I'd equate losing Karley with losing a child, and I want to see Johnson get the maximum punishment."

This isn't the family's first run-in with Johnson.