A Fouke, Ark., man accused of abusing a puppy was arrested Saturday by the Miller County Sheriff's Office on a charge of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
Jedediah Stonestreet, 36, was released the same day on a $2,500 bond, jail records show. MCSO Chief Deputy Mike McQuerrey said the charges against Stonestreet could change as the investigation into his alleged mistreatment of the puppy continues.
McQuerrey said his office has received reports that the puppy may have been thrown, punched or kicked and a report thta the puppy may have been left chained in the sun with no access to a shady area. McQuerrey said investigators are working to determine if the puppy can be taken away from Stonestreet under Arkansas law and whether the allegations against Stonestreet should result in felony or misdemeanor charges.
Prosecutors in the 8th Judicial District South, which serves Miller and Lafayette Counties, will have the final say on what, if any, charges Stonestreet will face. Prosecutors typically make a charging decision once an investigative file is turned over to the office from a law enforcement agency.
McQuerrey said the investigation is currently active and ongoing.