HENDERSON COUNTY, NC (WSPA) – A man was charged with felony animal cruelty following a welfare check of a puppy in Henderson County on Aug. 17.
According to a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office news release, a deputy responded to the home and found a boxer pit mix puppy on the porch.
The deputy interviewed the dog’s owner and the puppy was seized and taken to a local veterinary clinic for evaluation.
It was later determined that the puppy had received blunt trauma to the face, and duct tape residue was found on its mouth and body.
According to the release, Ralph Chester Stahr, 43, of Hendersonville, was charged with one count of felony cruelty to animals.
Stahr was arrested and taken to the Henderson County jail, where he was later released on $8,000 bond.
According to the release, the puppy is currently in the care of the Henderson County Animal Service and is doing well.