Hamad Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, 70, appeared in a US federal court after pleading guilty to harming a law enforcement animal.
The Egyptian national had arrived from Cairo when a customs Beagle named Freddie detected something suspicious in his luggage.
Bruising to dog's ribs
Authorities say Marie kicked the five-year-old dog with such force that the 11kg beagle was lifted off the ground. Freddie was later found to have sustained bruising to his rib area.
Freddie’s keen nose had led officers to uncover more than 100lbs (45kg) of undeclared agricultural goods, including beef, rice, vegetables, seeds and herbs, all banned to prevent the spread of animal diseases and invasive pests.
Malicious attack
Officials condemned the attack, with CBP director Christine Waugh stating: “Freddie was just doing his job. Any malicious attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.”
Marie was ordered to pay the dog’s veterinary bill and was deported shortly after sentencing. The seized goods were destroyed. Freddie is expected to make a full recovery and return to duty.
