SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A man was arrested after a witness saw him punching his dog, according to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they were flagged down by a woman who stated she saw a man pick his dog up by the leash and began punching it.
Deputies found the suspect on Highway 357, near Hammett Store Road. The suspect was identified as 47-year-old, Michael Jason Hart.
Hart told deputies he had a gun in his pocket, but was not allowed to have one due to previous charges. Deputies said Hart then told them “it don’t shoot though.”
Hart had been previously convicted in 2001 for manufacture, distribution and possession with the intent to distribute. He was also charged for criminal sexual conduct in 2002.
Spartanburg County Animal Control arrived and took over the investigation into the animal cruelty. Hart was arrested and transported to the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
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