An Australian man was today charged with animal cruelty for allegedly punching and kicking his six-month-old pet puppy in its face.
The 36-year-old man was spotted by a person in public allegedly punching his Staffordshire Terrier puppy in the face after putting the dog in a headlock in New South Wales's South Penrith.
Despite the dog's loud yelping, the man continued to punch and kick it. When the male witness attempted to intervene, the dog's owner threatened him, police was quoted as saying by The Sydney Morning Herald.
The man was arrested and taken to Penrith police station where he was charged with cruelty to an animal and intimidation. He will appear at Penrith Local Court tomorrow.
Police officers, meanwhile, seized the dog and took it to a vet for assessment. He is currently in the care of an animal welfare organisation.
The puppy's future remains unknown as investigators seek an order from the court in this regard.
