07/02/2009

Associated Press

A Springfield man accused of beating a puppy to death has been charged with felony animal abuse.

Springfield police Sgt. Richard Jones says 18-year-old Lucas Xavier Fourmyle made an initial court appearance in Lane County on Wednesday.

The investigation began June 19, when a woman reported to police that Fourmyle hurt her dog. The woman took the puppy to a veterinarian's office, where the animal died during an examination.

According to Jones, the veterinarian reported that the dog's injuries were consistent with being hit by a car. Investigators arrested Fourmyle on Tuesday, concluding that he injured the dog with his hands and feet.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com