A Phoenix man has been charged after beating his dogs with a metal pipe, according to court records.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office filed charges Tuesday against Darius Dalon McNeal, 23, for animal cruelty.
In March 2018, a veterinarian at Midwestern University contacted police after a rescue brought in a female chihuahua who was allegedly beaten by its owner, causing leg fractures.
Police went to the home near 7th Street and Thomas Road and spoke with a neighbor who allegedly told police that she saw McNeal hit the dog with a metal pipe. She pointed to two metal rods in the front yard.
Another witness allegedly told police that she heard McNeal bragging about knocking out the dog's tooth.
Police say they examined several audio recording's taken by witnesses where they allegedly heard McNeal yelling at the two dogs by name and threatening to hit the dogs. Police could also reportedly hear the dogs in pain in the recordings.
The second victim, also a chihuahua, was also examined by a veterinarian and found to have two fractures in their right hind leg, which was severe enough to require amputation. The vet also reportedly found other fractures that healed in abnormal positions.
McNeal allegedly told police that the dog's injuries might have been caused by him accidentally stepping on them. He also allegedly admitted to forcing one dog to swim with a broken leg.
McNeal has been summoned to appear in court on March 12.
