Santa Clara firefighter arrested in connection to killing dog
NAPA, Calif. (KTVU/AP) -- Authorities say a firefighter with the Santa Clara Fire Department has been placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest for allegedly killing his pet German shepherd at his home in Napa.
Nicholas Joseph Luiz was arrested at his home on suspicion of felony animal cruelty, according to Napa Police.
Santa Clara Fire Chief Bill Kelly says Luiz has been taken off the job and that an internal investigation is ongoing.
Officers were called to Luiz's home in Napa after receiving multiple complaints that he had been abusing his 5-month-old puppy for months.
While serving a search warrant Wednesday, police found the dead dog inside the home and Luiz admitted to killing the animal.
It wasn't immediately clear if Luiz had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.