CENTENNIAL, Colo. — A local man has been charged with animal cruelty after footage from a doorbell camera shows him kicking his dog.
The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Regions Animal Law Enforcement says the security footage shows 44-year-old Richard Johnston kicking his dog, Forty. Johnston's dog was removed from the home and is currently in the care of the Humane Society.
Will Saggau's doorbell camera recorded the abuse. Saggau said he believes Johnston lives in the same complex, and the dog may have gotten out.
After seeing the video, he and his wife immediately alerted authorities.
"If you see that anywhere, do something. You got to do something," Saggau said.
The couple reported the abuse Thursday morning, and by that evening, authorities had found Johnston and Forty. The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Regions Animal Law Enforcement said the video, along with the dog's apparent injuries, was all the evidence they needed. Forty's injuries are currently being evaluated.
"I feel relieved, but I have a lot of people asking where's the dog? Where's the dog?" Saggau said.
The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Regions Animal Law Enforcement said Johnston has 10 days to pay a "cost of care" fee of $525. From there, he must go in front of a judge to present his case. Until then, Forty will stay with the Humane Society.
This story was originally published by Gary Brode on KMGH in Denver.
