The Los Angeles Police Department officer charged with animal abuse for a Valencia incident filmed and posted on social media pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge Friday.
As the result of her plea, Officer Giselle Prado received a suspended sentence provided she meets the following conditions: the surrender of her three dogs to a family member, which she has already done; and completion of a six-month anger-management course and 20 hours of community service, according to the minute order for her hearing.
A representative for the LAPD’s Media Relations Division was not immediately available to confirm Prado’s current status. LAPD officials reported in October that she had been placed on administrative duties following the initial investigation.
The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office filed two misdemeanor charges against Prado in October over allegations she struck her dog: intentional abuse and unnecessary cruelty.
A video shared in September sparked a complaint to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, which investigated the case and presented the charges.
The station’s Detective Bureau confirmed the Oct. 13 filing recommendation regarding the Sept. 26 incident, according to the DA’s Office.
Prado also was fined several hundred dollars for the offense, which is due in six months along with evidence of program completion.
