Miller and his roommate, Mariah Mills, who also said she witnessed the abuse, were granted orders of protection against Marsicano at his arraignment, and said that they are hoping he is eventually convicted. They plan on moving out of the home soon, they said.

“We’re hoping for a conviction and that he stays out of the community and away from animals,” Miller told reporters. “It’s been a horrible four months for us.”

Rice said that Snowball is currently being cared for at the Freeport Animal Shelter and Marsicano is not permitted to retrieve the animal.

“Thanks to the actions of witnesses, the Long Beach Police Department and the members of my office’s Animal Cruelty Unit this dog is now safe and protected from any further abuse,” Rice said.