Sign: Demand Justice For 3-Pound Senior Dog Viciously Kicked By Woman

Published: February 27, 2025 at 02:31 PM Author: Penny Eims

Pittsburg, CA – On February 19, a small, senior dog suffered injuries to her liver and leg when a woman viciously kicked her during an altercation in Pittsburg, California. The disturbing incident was captured on surveillance video and after being posted to social media, it caused a furor among outraged animal lovers.

The viral social media footage prompted the Pittsburg Police Department to issue a public statement, assuring angered animal advocates that an investigation was underway:

Pittsburg Police Department, Pittsburg, CA

You can hear the small dog’s cries of agony after being kicked. Shockingly, the woman who injured her can be seen smiling and laughing afterwards – seemingly unbothered by the pain she has inflicted.

This unhinged attack on a small, senior dog must have repercussions. Please add your name to the petition and help Animal Victory hold this woman accountable for her actions! Those who cause pain and injury to innocent animals must face charges.

The woman who kicked Gigi has not been publicly identified. The police said, “We encourage anyone who has information regarding this incident, or the individual involved to step forward. If you possess any details that could aid our investigation, please reach out to our tip line at (925) 252-4040.”

Target: District Attorney’s Office

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand justice for Gigi, who suffered painful injuries after being violently kicked. Animal Victory and its supporters demand this woman face true repercussions for her abhorrent behavior. 

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this woman accountable not only denies justice Gigi but also endangers the community at large. It is imperative that we send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

Note: Gigi had to be hospitalized at the veterinary hospital after suffering internal injuries. She was able to return home, but she is still limping and has to be monitored for her liver injury.

News:

KTVU

Hoodline

KRON

CASE UPDATES

Update 4/30/2026: Co-defendant, Lagashia Shante Williams Change of Plea Hearing is scheduled for 05/15/2026 at 8:30 before Judge Robert Leach.

Update 2/20/2026: A Shocking Lack of Accountability in the case against Graciela Amar (Case #04-25-00529). Initially, the court announced a sentence of one year of probation, set to run from 02/06/2026 to 02/06/2027. However, the imposition of that sentence was suspended. In other words, she will not serve probation at all. Instead, she has been ordered to complete 100 hours of community service at an animal shelter. 

For an act of documented cruelty against a fragile senior dog, this outcome falls far short of meaningful accountability. When individuals who harm defenseless animals face minimal consequences, it sends a troubling message, that cruelty carries little weight in our justice system.

We pursued this petition because we believed the suffering of this tiny dog deserved to be taken seriously. While we respect the court process, we cannot ignore the fact that justice in this case feels sorely lacking.

For Defendant Lagashia Williams, Case No. 04-25-00532, a new hearing has been scheduled before Judge Robert Leach on 04/16/2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Update 1/22/2026: The motion for a Judicial Diversion Hearing for both Defendant: Graciela Amar; Case #; 04-25-00529, and Defendant: Lagashia Williams; Case #: 04-25-0053 2, will be continued to 02/06/2026 at 8:30 a.m. PST before Judge Nichelle N. Holmes

Update 12/08/2025: The motion for a diversion hearing for Graciela Amar and Lagashia Shante Williams has been rescheduled to 1/16/2026 before Judge Wade Ryne at 8:30 a.m.

Update 10/2/2025: The next court date for Lagashia Shante Williams and Graciela Amar is 11/21/2025 at 8:30 before Judge Wade M. Rhyne – Motion for Judicial Diversion Hearing. Lagashia Shante Williams – Case# 04-25-00432, Graciela Amar – Case #04-25-00529. 

Update 9/12/2025: Original felony animal cruelty charges for showing a “fake” gun and filing a false police report have been reduced to misdemeanor charges. The next Court date is scheduled on September 22, 2025. 1:30 PM PST. Case# 04-25-00432, CONTRA COSTA D.A. DIANA BECTON Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Update 6/05/2025: Defendant Lagashia Shante Williams, 04-25-00532, Felony Readiness Conference scheduled for 08/29/2025 at 8:20 a.m. Judicial Officer John C. Cope. Preliminary Hearing 09/04/2025 at 8:30 a.m. Judicial Officer John C. Cope

Defendant Graciela Amar, Case #04-25-00529, Felony Readiness Conference scheduled for 08/29/2025 at 8:20 a.m. Judicial Officer John C. Cope. Preliminary Hearing 09/04/2025 at 8:30 a.m. Judicial Officer John C. Cope.

Update 5/23/2025: Animal Victory sent the petition to the Public Information Officer to the District Attorney with updated signatures. 

Update 4/28/2025: The next hearing for Graciela Amar, Case #04-25-00529 is 05/27/2025 at 8:30 a.m. Judge Cope presiding. The hearing for Lagashia Williams is also 05/27/2025 at 8:30 a.m. 

Update 4/11/2025: Both women have entered a plea of not guilty.

Update 4/7/2025: Animal Victory sent the petition to the Public Information Officer to the District Attorney. 

Update 3/11/2025: Graciela Amar, Case No. 04-25-00529, is charged with one felony and one misdemeanor. Her arraignment is scheduled for 04/09/2025 at 8:30 a.m. before Judicial Officer John C. Cope. Case will be heard in the Pittsburgh-Arnason Justice Center, 1000 Center Dr, Pittsburg, CA 94565. Lagashia Williams, Case #04-25-00532, is charged with one felony (Cruelty to animals) and two misdemeanors (EXHIBITING IMITATION FIREARM and FALSE REPORT OF CRIMINAL OFFENSE). Her arraignment is scheduled for 04/09/2025 at 8:30 a.m. before Judicial Officer John C. Cope.

Update: 2/27/2025 11:00 p.m. EST: The suspects, Lagashia Williams and Graciela Amar, were arrested on Thursday; both are charged with cruelty to animals and drawing or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner. Williams faces the additional charge of filing a false report to police. They were booked into the Martinez and West County Detention Facilities on February 27th, 2025. The Sheriff’s Office released both Williams and Amar after posting bail of $172,500 on March 1st and March 2nd, respectively.

This evening, we successfully identified both suspects in Oakland.

We want to assure everyone that Gigi is safe at home this evening, while the two suspects are currently in County Jail.

We sincerely appreciate the community’s invaluable support throughout this process. Your involvement is essential in helping to keep our neighborhoods safe.