Thai restaurant in LA was forced to close after animal rights activist claimed pit bull tethered outside would be COOKED and served to unsuspecting customers

A family-owned Thai restaurant in Los Angeles was forced to close after being accused of animal cruelty, including claims the owner served dog meat from a local pit bull.

David Rasavong is the owner of Love & Thai in Fresno, California – a restaurant packed with nods to his family's Thai heritage in its dishes and décor.

The proud restaurant owner was forced to temporarily leave his restaurant in May 2023 after wild rumors based on the stereotype that Asian people eat dog meat began circulating online.

Rasavong, 41, had only opened his previous restaurant, called Lekker Thai, for seven months before the racist claims emerged.

The rumor was fueled by Maria Alvarez Garcia, who uploaded a video in May claiming the restaurant served dog meat.

Garcia – a so-called animal welfare crusader – raised concerns about animal welfare in a house next door to the restaurant – then suggested the food business was linked to the household and their alleged dog abuse.

Rasavong denied the accusation in a statement, saying he was forced to close his restaurant in an effort to protect his immigrant family in light of the racism he faced.

A day after Garcia's powerful video, Rasavong was inundated with vitriolic statements, voicemails and phone calls.

Rasavong's body is still tense as he recounts a phone call from an older woman in particular.

“She was so disgusted with me and screamed and screamed, and all I remember hearing her say at the end was, 'Go back to the country you came from, you dog-eating motherfucker,'” Rasavong said. The Associated Press.

Garcia denied making negative comments about the restaurant, but admitted that she had insinuated that the establishment sold dog meat.

The Fresno Police Department conducted an investigation at the time and debunked all claims about the restaurant and their rumors of animal cruelty.

In May, Fresno police shared an update on their Facebook detailing their investigation into the claims.

“A short video of a female pit bull was recently uploaded to multiple social media accounts,” the post read.

“The video claimed the pit bull was being abused. The Fresno Police Department was quickly notified of the situation and thoroughly investigated the incident.”

“The short video posted on social media was a snapshot and did not provide the full picture of the incident.”

'We are pleased to report that the investigation has shown that the dog was not abused. She was recently purchased by a neighbor but has since been returned to her original owner.'

Now that Rasavong has reopened his new Thai restaurant, Love & Thai, he is optimistic about continuing his business.

Rasavong also hopes his situation will remind others to think before they speak.

“People say these jokes and think it's just fun and light-hearted,” he said. “There are certain things you shouldn't say that really cross a line.”