LANCASTER, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Garrard County Sheriff’s Office reported that a Lancaster man is in custody and has been charged with animal cruelty and torture after he allegedly strangled a dog to death on Tuesday.

The department reported that police were called around 2 p.m. by Bluegrass 911 regarding an animal that had been killed.

Upon arrival, police found the man, identified as 28-year-old Haigan Penman, allegedly used a plastic bag and a belt to strangle the dog, resulting in the dog’s death. Police noted that Penman dumped the dog in a nearby ditch.

According to police, Penman was charged with second-degree animal cruelty and torturing a dog.