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San Tan Valley man accused of hanging dog upside down

Posted at 11:59 AM, Jun 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-27 21:08:16-04

Officials have arrested a man for allegedly hanging a puppy in San Tan Valley.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said Martin Benavidez, 51, was arrested on June 16 at his home near Judys Road and Asbury Avenue.

Neighbors told PCSO they saw Benavidez hang his six-month-old dog by its hind legs in a horse stable.

According to PCSO, a neighbor discovered the cruelty after hearing the dog whimpering from inside her house. She walked outside and saw the dog hanging upside down.

PCSO said when deputies arrived, the dog was no longer hanging and was under a table, too injured to walk.

The suspect told PCSO he was training the dog and denied hurting him.

Pinal County Animal Control came to the scene and took custody of the dog. He has swelling and rope marks on his hind legs.

Benavidez was arrested and released pending County Attorney review of the case. 

The dog, now named "Spur" is recovering from his injuries at animal control.