Sign: Man ‘Punted’ Emaciated Dog in Motel Parking Lot, Just for Playing in the Rain

Published: April 13, 2026 at 06:15 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania – On March 5, a dog named Grace was playing in the rain when her owner, 29-year-old Bijay Poudel took issue with her innocent fun and “punted” her small body into a door at the Mechanicsburg Econo Lodge Motel. An eyewitness saw the three-year-old Maltese limp away and collapse in the rainy parking lot.

The “football kick” left Grace’s fragile body battered. A responding Saint Francis Humane Society Police Department officer transported her to a veterinarian who found broken blood vessels in her eyes, bloody stool, and signs of long-term neglect, including feces in her matted fur, overgrown nails, and an emaciated body.

Poudel never denied what he did to his little dog. When questioned by the responding police officer, he not only admitted to the police officer that he “punted” his dog into a door because it was playing in the rain, but he also exhibited how he did it by reenacting the kick.

The cruel act, and Poudel’s admission, resulted in his arrest and multiple charges including Cruelty to Animals (2nd degree Misdemeanor), Neglect of Animals (Veterinary Care – 3rd degree Misdemeanor), and Neglect of Animals (Shelter/Protection – 3rd Degree Misdemeanor).

Annie courtesy of Castaway Critters.

Please sign this petition to help ensure that this dog’s pain and suffering is taken seriously and that Bijay Poudel is held fully accountable. A grown man punted his small, malnourished dog like a football and now justice must be served. 

Police Report

Pennsylvania Animal Welfare Laws 2025

Decision Maker: Courtney Hair-LaRue, Chief Deputy Assistant District Attorney

Why This Petition Matters

This neglected, malnourished dog suffered unnecessary cruelty while attempting to enjoy a moment of joy in her otherwise pitiful life. Neglecting Grace, who is now known as Annie, was not enough for Bijay Poudel…he chose to kick her little body, causing immense pain and suffering. We demand that Poudel be held fully accountable for his actions and face the maximum sentence for the charges stemming from this disgraceful act of cruelty. We further demand that he be prohibited from owning or living with animals in the future.

Note: After being arrested, Poudel surrendered Grace, now known as Annie, to St. Francis Humane Society Police. She was then taken into rescue by Castaway Critters located in Harrisburg, PA, and is now in foster care. As soon as she is cleared by the veterinarian, she will be adopted by her foster parent.

News

Fox 43

CBS 21

Yahoo

Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.

Update: Defendant Bijay Poudel was charged with a 2nd Degree Misdemeanor – Cruelty to Animals, and a 3rd Degree Misdemeanor – Neglect – Vet Car, and another 3rd Degree Misdemeanor – Shelter/Protection. Pre-trial conference is scheduled for 09/22/2026 at 1:00 p.m. 4th floor. Bail of $3,000 was posted. 

Update: New case # for Defendant Bijay Poudel – CP-21-CR-0001040-2026.

Update: On April 30, 2026, Bijay Poudel appeared in court for his scheduled preliminary hearing. His court-appointed public defender waived the preliminary hearing, and the case has been formally transferred to the Court of Common Pleas in Cumberland County, PA, where it will be prosecuted by Chief Deputy Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hair LaRue.

Update 4/29/2026: The case (Docket #MJ-09305-CR-CR-00000-58-2026) is being prosecuted by Courtney Hair LaRue, a Chief Deputy Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County, PA, who manages all cases specific to animal cruelty. Poudel was not charged with a felony because, under current law, the felony charge only applies in cases resulting in the death of the animal or severe disfigurement. At the April 30th appearance, Poudel will enter a plea. Given his prior admission to the responding officer, we will be closely monitoring the proceedings to ensure justice is served.