BOARDMAN, Ohio - A Youngstown man faces animal cruelty and drug charges after police say they found him with an injured puppy cowering in a Boardman hotel room.

Officers on Monday went to the Red Roof Inn after getting complaints from neighbors who say they heard what sounded like someone hurting an animal that could be heard frantically crying as if it was being beaten.

Officers said they heard someone inside the room along with several loud thumps and the sound of a frightened dog yelping loudly.

According to police, 31-year-old Dante Mason answered the door and told them he was angry that the dog had urinated on the bed and he was “teaching the dog a lesson” in the bathroom.

 Police say Mason gave them permission to check on the welfare of the dog which they found inside the bathroom.

Inside the bathtub, police found a 4-month-old, brown and white Pitbull puppy laying in its own feces, trembling and unable to stand.

According to the report, it appeared both back legs of the dog were severely injured or broken. The dog was also having a difficult time breathing as if it suffered trauma to its throat.

Police say they also found a clear baggie on the bathroom floor that tested positive for pure fentanyl.

Mason, who was already wanted on drug and other charges in Liberty Township, was also charged with cruelty to a companion animal and drug possession.

As Mason was being booked into the jail, police say he took off all his clothes and ripped them up, refusing to get dressed.

Police say Mason also said he had six more dogs at his home on Youngstown’s West Side.

Animal Charity of Ohio took the dog for surgery at an emergency veterinary hospital to try to save its leg.

 The puppy, named Isabella, is not up for adoption.  Animal Charity is accepting donations for her care.

Mason was arraigned in county court on Tuesday and is scheduled to appear for another hearing on March 9.