A man from Newcastle is facing court today after a horrific incident that led to the death of a puppy.
The disturbing event occurred yesterday afternoon when a man allegedly pulled over his vehicle in a carpark on Maitland Road, Sandgate, and removed the puppy from the car.
Witnesses claim the man violently slammed the puppy against the side of the vehicle several times before throwing it to the ground, continuing the assault before putting the pup back in the car.
The police were alerted and launched an investigation, leading them to a home in Lemon Tree Passage, where they arrested a 21-year-old man around 9.05pm.
Police seized several pieces of evidence, including clothing, a car seat cover, and a mobile phone, which will be examined further.
Tragically, the puppy was found deceased on Porowei Way, Kooragang, and a veterinarian is set to examine the body to determine the cause of death.
The arrested man was taken to Nelson Bay Police Station, where he was charged with two offences: committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal and torture, beating, and seriously injuring an animal.
He was denied bail and is set to appear before the Bail Division Court 2 today.
This senseless act of cruelty towards an innocent animal is heartbreaking, and we can only hope that justice will be served.