BENTONVILLE — A Gravette man pleaded not guilty Monday in connection with killing a dog with a dumbbell.
Charles James Dugan, 20, entered the plea during his arraignment before Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren. Dugan is charged with aggravated cruelty to a dog, cat or horse, a felony punishable with up to six years in prison. Dugan is free on a $5,000 bond.
Dugan was arrested June 1.
A woman reported to Lowell police Dugan used a weight to kill the dog and dumped the animal’s body in a trash bin at 406 McClure St., according to a probable cause affidavit. Police went to the address and found the dog’s body wrapped in an orange sheet. Police also found a bloody pillow and carpet in the trash, according to the affidavit.
Police searched a Lowell home and found a 30-pound dumbbell along with blood splatter on the ceiling and walls of a bedroom, according to court documents.
Dugan told a friend he had to put “Hugo” down, according to the affidavit.