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Ballico man arrested for beating dog
Sol Brua
Sol Brua

A man is facing an animal abuse charge after a witness and police officers saw him beating his dog Friday in downtown Turlock.

The suspect was identified by the police department as Sol Brua, 28, of Ballico.

The dog, a 9-month old Husky mix, is currently in the custody of the Turlock Animal Shelter and is in good condition, said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Mike Parmley.

The call was received by the Turlock Police Department just before 6 p.m. Friday. The caller stated a man was seen abusing his dog in the 100 block of S. Center Street.

Police officers arrived at the scene within three minutes of the call and reportedly saw Brua hitting the dog with a skateboard and throwing it up in the air and letting it hit the ground, Parmley said.

As officers approached the dog was on the ground not moving, Parmley said.

Brua was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.

The Turlock Animal Shelter said the dog will remain in their custody until the criminal matter is adjudicated. If Brua is found guilty, the court can impose a sentence that would prevent him from owning or being around an animal for five years, Parmley said.