Man seen on video beating dog outside North Hills motel now in police custody

PITTSBURGH — A man who was caught on surveillance video outside a Ross Township motel severely beating a dog is in custody.

Esai Mohamed-Jones, 20, was charged with two counts of animal cruelty and one count of disorderly conduct in connection with the May incident in the parking lot of the InTown Suites on McKnight Road.

The surveillance video showed him choking, slamming and then repeatedly punching a small white dog, named Louie, police said.

RELATED >> Man caught on video beating dog surrenders animal to police, charges to be based on dog’s condition

Mohamed-Jones went to Ross Township police in late May when he learned he was being investigated, and surrendered the dog to Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. The dog was examined and found to have bruises all over its body and injuries to its abdomen and left eye.

Veterinarians drew blood, which showed increased liver enzymes in the dog, an indication of trauma and stress.

Mohamed-Jones admitted to “slapping” the dog because he was “stressed” while moving his belongings out of Room 211 at the motel, where he said he had been staying with his girlfriend and a cousin for more than a month.

Channel 11 has been told the dog is now in a foster home and is doing well.

Ross Township police seeking man caught on video brutally beating dog

©2021 Cox Media Group