Protesters call for justice for dog that was DA says was 'sadistically punted' by man

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Protesters rallied outside a Mineola courthouse calling for “justice” for a dog that was kicked and later euthanized after suffering five heart attacks. The incident happened in 2020. The DA has said that defendant, Peter Galantino, “sadistically punted” Mocha, a Teacup Yorkie. A jury found Galantino guilty of a felony charge, which a judge later set aside. Galantino was convicted of two misdemeanors and will be sentenced next week, but protesters say that’s not enough. The incident happened after an apparent dispute over Galantino cleaning up after his own dog. That dispute happened between Mocha’s owners, who were walking Mocha and a German shepherd, and Galantino. The DA said the confrontation escalated and Galantino kicked Mocha. Galantino’s attorney argued that the German shepherd was lunging and growling at Galantino, who was frightened and kicked once out of self-defense. The defense argued Mocha’s owners were the aggressors. Galantino's sentencing on the misdemeanors is scheduled for Aug, 15. "