Travis Archer, 43, is facing animal cruelty charges after his black Labrador puppy was found pummeled to death shortly after midnight on Saturday.
Police were called to the home in Ponce Inlet, Florida - about 100 miles south of Jacksonville, by neighbors who heard loud banging noises followed by the dog crying in pain, WESH reports.
When officers arrived on the scene, then found a hole in the wall - which it is alleged was caused by Archer throwing the dog through it, as well as a bloodied knot rope near a damaged fence.
The fence also had blood marks on it.
The puppy was then found laying lifeless outside and appeared to have had its mouth gagged shut.
Police said the 43-year-old tried to explain the situation by claiming he hit the dog twice after he returned home from work to find it had made a mess inside the house.
He also claimed the animal bit him on the hand, however police said he only had a small scratch.
Ponce Inlet Police said Archer has been charged with a third-degree felony, but stressed it does not believe that charge is punishment enough.
'That’s no different than if you steal a $300 bicycle or you steal a bunch of items worth $300,' chief Frank Fabrizio told WESH.
'A third-degree felony for killing this poor defenseless dog, I just think is ridiculous.'
Neighbors also said they were shocked by the death of the young dog.
'I’m horrified, I’m horrified,' Maureen Bailey told the local station.
'I'm speechless. I can't imagine imagine anyone beating a black lab puppy to death just for being a puppy.'
Archer was released on Sunday after a court appearance.
POLICE BODYCAM VIDEO:
(Daily Mail - April 10, 2017)
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