Anaheim woman faces federal charge in puppy's death in Santa Ana

A 75-year-old Anaheim woman was charged Thursday with a federal animal crushing felony after authorities accused her of intentionally running over a puppy in Santa Ana, according to NBC Los Angeles.

The federal charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Hanh Minh Nguyen also faces misdemeanor animal cruelty and abandonment charges in Orange County.

The puppy, Blackey, was a 9-month-old pit bull mix. Authorities allege Nguyen killed the dog Sept. 8, NBC Los Angeles reported, citing police and the Justice Department.

According to those authorities, Nguyen put the puppy beneath her Honda Odyssey and scattered dog food near the driver's door to draw it toward the vehicle. She then allegedly drove forward over the dog.

The Justice Department said an autopsy found that Blackey suffered a crushed skull and complete brain damage. The puppy survived for several minutes in severe pain before dying, according to the department.

Santa Ana police said investigators identified the vehicle and located Nguyen using automated license plate readers. When officers visited her home, she acknowledged that she owned the dog and had abandoned it, according to police.

NBC Los Angeles reported that prosecutors cited the federal Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, known as the PACT Act. President Donald Trump signed the legislation in 2019 during his first term.

Nguyen is expected to make her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana in the coming weeks, according to the Justice Department.