WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – A Watertown man is accused of throwing his puppy against a wall and breaking its leg.
City police arrested John Cole, 30, on animal cruelty and drug possession charges.
Alleged abuse
According to court documents, Cole, “in an especially depraved or sadistic manner,” threw his dog against a wall, “causing the left rear femur to become fractured.”
The incident allegedly happened in July 2025.
Police said an acquaintance later took the five-month-old blue nose pit bull to a veterinarian, who performed surgery on the puppy’s leg.
Evidence of prior injuries
According to police, the vet saw evidence that the dog had been injured before, including other broken bones that had healed.
Police were notified and an arrest warrant was issued.
Arrest and charges
Cole was arrested on State Street on Thursday. Police allege that he had cocaine on him.
He was charged with a felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals and a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Cole was released following his arraignment.
There is no word on the puppy’s whereabouts.
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