Video of man beating dog circulating on social media leads to arrest of Big Island man

A video circulating on social media of a man beating a dog led to the arrest of a Pāhoa man.

Hawai‘i Island police initiated a cruelty to animals investigation after receiving numerous tips about the video, where the animal was kicked repeatedly, and identified the suspect as Bronson Valencia-Yasue, 30.

Officers conducted multiple area checks for Valencia-Yasue and the dog but were unable to locate either of them.

The Animal Control and Protection Agency was also contacted and notified of this incident.

This morning, Valencia-Yasue turned himself in to police in Hilo where he was arrested and charged with second-degree animal cruelty.

However, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney was unable to file formal charges in court due to certain information being unknown at this time and Valencia-Yasue was subsequently released from police custody.

The whereabouts of the dog are unknown at this time.

This investigation is still ongoing and police ask that anyone with information contact Officer Boyd Bangloy of Puna Patrol at 808-965-2716 or by email at boyd.bangloy@hawaiicounty.gov.

The Hawai’i Police Department thanks the public for their assistance in providing information and tips regarding this incident. The investigation will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney upon completion for further review.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe.