A state apeals court has ruled that Los Angeles police had grounds to enter the home of a pharmacist who had an injured dog inside, and another one found dead in the freezer.

The 2nd District Court of Appeals panel on Thursday rejected Keith Chung's claim that police lacked "exigent circumstances" to bust in his home without a warrant.

The judges found that officers were justified in entering without Chung's permission because they believed they heard the sound of a dog whimpering. When they did, they found an injured Schnauzer that had to be euthanized and a dead dog stuffed in the freezer.

Chung was later charged with felony animal cruelty. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.