A Texarkana, Ark., man accused of killing his dog by striking it three times in the head with a rock was arrested Monday on a charge of felony animal cruelty.
Andrew Littles, 27, allegedly gave Texarkana, Ark., police and animal control officers an unusual explanation for the deceased small, long-haired terrier he was holding when he spoke to them at his home on Hunters Lane late Monday morning.
Littles allegedly told the officers that on Oct. 14, the terrier had been "rolling around in a carcass of another animal" after he let it outside, according to a probable-cause affidavit used to create the following report. Littles described going on a run with the dog and claimed he let the dog back in the house after returning home from an outing that night.
"At this time, Littles advised that he kept feeling what he described as fleas in his mouth," the affidavit states.
Littles allegedly told the officers that the dog "kept biting at itself and shaking while in the living room."
"Littles advised that the dog kept shaking so he took a stone and struck it on the head," the affidavit states. "Littles advised that the dog yelped so he struck it on the head again, which made the dog yelp again. Littles advised that he then struck it on the head for a third time, at which time the dog stopped moving."
After that, Littles allegedly placed the dog on a sofa and left it alone until the following day. Littles reportedly told officers that he didn't sleep Sunday night and that when he returned to the dog Monday, it was not breathing. Littles allegedly was so concerned about the terrier that he called Lifenet for assistance; the call was transferred to police and animal control.
While officials were speaking Monday with Littles, they inquired about the animal carcass Littles claimed the terrier had been rolling around in the day before.
"Littles advised that it was his other dog," the affidavit states. "I observed the remains of a small breed dog that appeared to have been there for a while."
Littles was allegedly unable to give a clear explanation when asked how the other canine's life ended. Littles allegedly said the dog began "acting sick" after a meal of chicken bones.
Littles was arrested on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty. Littles also was arrested on two active misdemeanor warrants for contempt of court and criminal mischief, Texarkana, Ark., police spokeswoman Kristi Bennett said.
Littles is being held in the Miller County jail. A civil hearing to address a petition to commit him for mental health reasons is scheduled for Tuesday.