Sheriff: Hamilton man caught on video beating dog with thick leash

A 21-year-old Hamilton man caught on video allegedly beating a pit bull has been charged with animal cruelty.

The Butler County Sheriff Dog Warden’s division investigated a report of serious animal abuse caught on video surveillance. Kristopher Johnson was observed beating the animal with a thick leash rope, the sheriff’s office said. The episode was recorded by an anonymous citizen and given to authorities.

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The pit bull named Zeus was immediately removed from the home by the dog warden. Johnson was issued a citation for misdemeanor animal cruelty. He is scheduled to appear at the Hamilton Municipal Court at 8 a.m. Thursday.

“It’s a shame a crime like this doesn’t fit the felony statute. People like this deserve far worse punishments for their abusive actions,” Sheriff Richard Jones said. “It takes a real weak person to abuse a defenseless animal and it disgusts anyone who is a normal human being.”

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