A Penn Yan man was charged with animal cruelty after police said video showed him repeatedly striking a puppy and lifting the animal by its tail and neck.
Demetrius D. Murphy, 41, was arrested Sept. 11 following an animal cruelty complaint, according to the Penn Yan Police Department. Officers said the person who made the complaint reported having video footage of the incident.
Police reviewed the footage and said it showed Murphy striking the puppy multiple times with a leash and his hand while yelling at the animal. At one point, police said, Murphy picked up the puppy by its tail and neck.
Officers went to Murphy’s residence, informed him of the complaint and took him into custody. He was transported to the police department for processing.
Murphy was charged with torturing or injuring animals, a misdemeanor under state Agriculture and Markets Law. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to answer the charge in Penn Yan Village Court.
The puppy was removed from Murphy’s residence and turned over to Animal Control.
Police said additional charges could be filed depending on the results of an examination to determine whether the puppy suffered injuries that weren’t immediately visible.
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