A 19-year-old man has been arrested on animal cruelty charges after police say he admitted to abusing his emotional support dog.
According to Phoenix police, on Sunday, Nezter Villagomez tried to hang his pug "Miso" by his collar and leash with all four legs off the ground. He told officers this happened on two different occasions for several seconds each time.
Police say Villagomez told officers he tried to harm the dog on purpose.
Veterinarians say Miso has two broken ribs, a broken pelvis, tooth and other injuries. Bloodwork revealed Miso has been a victim of chronic abuse.
Authorities say Villagomez sent pictures of the abuse to another person. He was arrested and booked into jail for animal cruelty, A.R.S. 13-910A9, which as of August 2019 is now a Class 5 Felony.
Arizona Humane Society officials say Miso will remain in their care indefinitely.
