KENDALL JUSTIN MCKINNEY witnessed abusing a dog and actress Jena Malone steps in to rescue the pup

- California, USA -

~ Update: May 16, 2022

I have contacted the Los Angeles Police Department and requested updates on this case.

The LAPD tells me that MCKINNEY’s case has been submitted to the District Attorney's Office and that MCKINNEY’s next court date will be held on August 1, 2022, at the Los Angeles Municipal Court at 08:30 a.m.

I have also checked MCKINNEY’s online court records and they show that he is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.

I will continue to post updates as they become available.

~ Original story:

Actress Jena Malone has been hailed by PETA for her heroic action to save an abused dog.

PETA announced that a Compassionate Action Award is on the way to Ms. Malone, who was among a group of good Samaritans who stopped a man witnessed dragging and kicking a defenseless dog near Sunset Boulevard and the 101 freeway on Monday, April 4.

The Daily Mail reports that when Ms. Malone saw the furbaby being yanked into the air by his lead, she stopped her car and intervened to rescue the VOICELESS VICTIM, a 6-year-old Maltipoo named Champion.

Ms. Malone, “Hunger Games” star and Golden Globe nominee said: “I pulled over and started chasing him, because that’s absolutely not OK.”

The abuser has been identified as 29-years-old KENDALL MCKINNEY (pictured) and his mother, Kelly McKinney, is Champion’s guardian.

Kelly McKinney “runs the non-profit Kay’s Love of God”, according to a GoFundMe created to help out with Champion’s medical expenses.

MCKINNEY then tasted his own medicine when three men who witnessed the horrific abuse on the innocent furbaby got out of their cars and beat him to the ground yelling: “What the f**k are you doing?”

In a statement sent to PEOPLE, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said: “The suspect had a small dog on a leash and was observed kicking the dog several times. In addition to beating the dog, the suspect also held the animal up in the air by the leash. Witnesses observed the suspect's actions and confronted him. The suspect picked the dog up and attempted to run from the witness and other citizens approaching him.”

The statement goes on to say: “The suspect was eventually surrounded by the group. The suspect then attempted to punch one of the witnesses, but missed. In self-defense, the witness punched the suspect. Other citizens joined together to physically subdue the suspect who was actively fighting with them. Once the suspect stopped resisting, he was monitored until police arrived and took him into custody.”

As reported by NBCLA, LA criminal law attorney Andrew Leventhal reviewed the footage and he said that “the altercation leading up to rescuing the dog is probably fair.”

NBCLA reports that just before police arrived, MCKINNEY told a cameraman he didn’t think the dog was hurt. “That's why I did it, it's my mother's dog and he should obey me,” said MCKINNEY.

Champion “has suffered multiple injuries, broken ribs, abrasions, and most severe his left hind leg is broken in 2 places” reads part of the fundraiser.

According to GoFundMe, “Champ, went missing for 5 days and was rescued just yesterday when passerby’s witnessed what they described as a brutal beating.”

The Los Angeles Police Department arrested MCKINNEY on Monday and the following day the district attorney filed felony animal cruelty charges against him.

Online records show he is still in custody.

PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said: “When Jena saw that a dog’s life was in danger, she dropped everything to race to his rescue. PETA is certain that her selflessness and kindness will inspire many others not to be silent in the face of cruelty to animals.”

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.

Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.

Story on Voice For Us Facebook page