Police have arrested a Mesa man on suspicion of hitting and injuring his bulldog so severely that the dog had to be euthanized.
Wayne Alston Fuller, 45, was booked into a Maricopa County jail on Friday on one count of felony animal cruelty and one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
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A veterinarian found a hematoma on the dog’s head and numerous fractures throughout his body, including his neck. Submitted photo. |
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, deputies began investigating Fuller in 2007 after the dog, Sampson, was seen at a Mesa animal hospital for a shattered front leg that required surgery.
Authorities said Fuller didn't have Sampson undergo surgery and a month later returned again to the animal hospital -- but this time because the dog had a large bump on his head.
Shortly after the second visit to the animal hospital, Fuller gave the dog to a woman and admitted he hit Sampson, authorities said.
The woman took Sampson to a veterinarian who found a severe bruise on the dog's head and numerous fractures throughout his body, including his neck.
The injuries were so serious that the dog was put down.
Authorities said Fuller fled to California to avoid arrest, but was captured.
