Two men charged with hurting dog that had to be put down

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County man accused of hurting a puppy so badly it had to be put down was in court Tuesday afternoon.

Keaton Alexander Messina Miller faces charges of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office says on December 29, 2017, Miller and Joshua Ryan White brought their dog Charlie, a Tennessee Hound, which they adopted from the county animal shelter, to New Hanover County Animal Services and surrendered ownership because Charlie had some sort of hip or rear leg injury.

Deputies say during the intake assessment, Charlie was unable to stand on his rear legs. X-rays were taken and revealed that both femurs were broken in half just above the knee joints and the femoral head and the ligaments were torn away from the left hip. Charlie had to be euthanized due to the extent of his injuries.

After investigating, the sheriff’s office charged Miller with felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty for being directly responsible for the injuries Charlie sustained.

Charlie (Photo: NHSO)

During Miller’s court appearance this afternoon a prosecutor said Miller told animal services he was angry with Charlie for pooping on the floor and he did not know how hard he hit the puppy.

The assistant district attorney said Miller had days to get Charlie the help he needed but did not. She asked the judge to raise Miller’s bond from $800 that he already posted to $10,000.

The judge raised it to $5,000 which Miller posted as well.

As for White, he was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty for failure to get medical care for Charlie within a reasonable amount of time.