Witnesses: Pit bull puppy kicked, beaten; man arrested

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after neighbors called 911 over a pit bull’s yelps of pain and fear Thursday.

Officers sent to the 800 block of South Hillcrest at about 10 p.m. Thursday found Roxy, a brindle pit bull mix, with multiple injuries, Lt. James Espinoza said. The 7-month-old puppy had injuries to her ears, eyes and hind legs.

Espinoza called the case “horrific.”

Witnesses said the dog was tied to a pole by the man, who would throw the animal to the ground, up against a wall and also throw it onto concrete, police said. The dog was also kicked and beaten with the pole, they said.

Roxy was taken to an animal hospital, where she is in good condition, Espinoza said. She is unable to eat, but is drinking water.

The suspect, Regenold Hackett, was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail late Thursday night.

This story was originally published March 4, 2016 at 2:31 PM with the headline "Witnesses: Pit bull puppy kicked, beaten; man arrested."