A California Bay Area woman who was allegedly caught on video throwing a dog to the ground pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a felony animal cruelty and abuse charge.
Fairfield police and Solano County District Attorney's Office investigators arrested Fairfield resident Brandi Chin earlier this month in Vallejo.
Chin was captured in a surveillance camera video on Dec. 19 throwing Benny the pug to the ground after a dispute with her boyfriend, authorities said. Benny hit the ground and rolled over several times.
Law enforcement officials took possession of the dog, who was given to Solano County Humane Animal Services. Police said an exam by a veterinarian determined Benny was not hurt and was in good health.
After her arrest, Chin's ex-boyfriend told NBC affiliate KCRA it was a "heat of the moment" kind of thing.
"Me and her were arguing about personal things," he said. "It got blown up into something else and I think it just got out of hand."
Authorities who searched for Chin thought she might have fled Solano County.
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A preliminary hearing has been set for Feb. 5.
