Police: Man attacks puppy

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins police on Monday arrested a Sandusky man after he allegedly attacked his dog. Officers charged Terry T. Thomas, 41, with cruelty to animals, a fifth-degree felony. His arrest stems from Perkins police receiving information from a veterinarian outside Erie County regarding Thomas' American bulldog. The dog, an 8-month-old puppy, came to this clinic for treatment, according to a statement from police. During a discussion with police, "Thomas admitted to striking the dog multiple times with an unknown object after the animal defecated inside his residence," the statement read. At this time, police processed the charge and apprehended Thomas. "The American Bulldog is currently receiving medical care and is reported to be in stable condition," the statement read. "Thomas has voluntarily surrendered custody of the dog, and it will not be returned to him." Sandusky Municipal Courts show Thomas receiving a prior charge of cruelty, a misdemeanor to animals in 2022. Police, however, can elevate the offense to a felony if the suspect has been accused of this crime on multiple occasions. Goddard's Law, approved in 2016, also makes it a felony to cause serious physical harm to a companion animal.