SYRACUSE -- A Syracuse man is charged with felony aggravated cruelty to an animal after investigators say he brutally beat a pit bull puppy.
The Executive Director of the CNY SPCA, Paul Morgan, says Charles L. Robinson Jr., grabbed a 10-week-old puppy by the neck on January 28 at his home on Polk Street in Syracuse. Robinson was originally charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty and was issued an appearance ticket. The puppy was seized by animal cruelty investigators and is now living with a foster family.
After the incident, the family caring for the puppy noticed its eyes were blood shot. X-rays and tests performed at the vet's office showed the dog had internal injuries. Morgan says the puppy had internal bleeding, fluid in it's lungs, blood in it's urine and bruising on it's throat. Morgan confirms injuries are consistent with witness reports of Robinson holding the animal by the throat and punching it in the body.
Because of the injuries to the dog, authorities rearrested Robinson Friday on the felony charge, Morgan said.
