Youngstown man accused of bludgeoning small dog - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A Youngstown man accused of beating a dog to death answers to charges. 

William A. Williams pleaded not guilty to charges of animal cruelty and domestic violence in Youngstown municipal court Friday. The 32-year-old surrendered to U.S Marshals after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Animal agents believe a small Maltese was bludgeoned with bricks on April 3. The badly injured pet named "Gabby", was found by agents under a jacket in the backyard of a home on Lauderdale Avenue, also the scene of a domestic dispute.

"There was a witness who say the individual hit the dog numerous times with a brick," Chris Flak says, humane agent with Animal Charity Humane Society in Boardman.

While charge of animal cruelty is a misdemeanor charge, Flak says this is a crime that should warrant a stiff punishment. 

"This is the type of crime that could be perpetrated against a person," he says. "If you'll do it to an innocent, especially a small breed dog like this, then you could do that to a person as well and that's what makes it very, very dangerous."

Williams was ordered by Judge Elizabeth Kobly to stay away from his girlfriend. His bond is set at $10,000.