Man Beat Puppy In Bradenton Club, Police Say

BRADENTON, FL — A 30-year-old man is facing animal cruelty charges after being accused of beating a 9-week-old puppy in downtown Bradenton.

Patrolling officers were called to the scene after being alerted by workers at a 13th Street West social club, Bradenton Police said Thursday. The staff was concerned about the puppy's well-being, police said.

While police did not say when the incident happened, Manatee County Jail records showed suspect Christian Cuello was arrested Thursday in connection with the case.

Several customers saw Cuello grab the puppy's neck and hit it in its face before leaving the club, police said.

After viewing footage from security cameras and employee-provided videos, police said they were able to track down the puppy's owner, who left her pet in Cuello's care.

Cuello was arrested on charges of torment/deprive/mutilate/kill any animal charges, according to jail records. Police said Cuello was on probation for an unrelated case at the time of his arrest.

The puppy was taken to a veterinary hospital for an examination before being returned to its owner, police said.