Jovon Hawkins, a 25-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has admitted to felony animal cruelty in connection with the death of a dog named Appa. The U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. made the announcement following Hawkins's guilty plea on March 3, 2025.
The incident occurred on May 27, 2024, at City Dogs, a dog daycare and boarding facility located in Washington, D.C. According to evidence presented by the government, two local residents had boarded their Shih Tzu mix dog, Appa, at the facility over Memorial Day weekend. On that day, Hawkins was alone at the establishment when he approached Appa and another dog sitting on a bed.
The account describes how one of the dogs barked and the chihuahua fled as Hawkins leaned over them. Subsequently, Hawkins moved the bed with his foot and then used his hands against the wall for support before kicking Appa. He continued by stomping on and kicking Appa again until the dog went silent. The injuries inflicted led to Appa's death from blunt force trauma that night.
Hawkins’s sentencing is set for May 5, 2025, before Judge Robert Salerno in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He could face up to five years in prison for his actions.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Washington Humane Society and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hanley.