DreamWorks animator accused of beating neighbor's dog to death with hammer

(CBS/AP) PASADENA - A DreamWorks animator pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of animal cruelty Thursday after allegedly beating a neighbor's 16-month-old German shepherd to death with a hammer.

Young Song, 40, allegedly scaled a fence to enter his neighbor's yard April 20, shot the dog with a pellet gun and then returned shortly after to beat the dog with a hammer. The animator faces an additional charge of misdemeanor petty theft for allegedly stealing the dog's body which has not yet been found.

Steve McNall, president and CEO of the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA, said the brutal beating was caught on surveillance camera.

"In my 31 years, that is the worst I've ever seen," he said.

Authorities haven't released a motive for the alleged attack by the animator known for his animal friendly movies.

Song has worked for DreamWorks Animation on several films including "Shark Tale," "Bee Movie," "Kung Fu Panda" and "Madagascar 2," according to the LA Times.

A neighbor, Paul Lofthouse, reportedly expressed shock at the incident describing Song as "a very nice and kind person."

Song is being held on $40,000 bail and if convicted faces up to four years in prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.