NAPA VALLEY, CA — An American Canyon man accused of physically abusing his 6-month-old pit bull faces a criminal court hearing Thursday on four felony animal-cruelty charges.
American Canyon police officers arrested Aaron William Aranda, 31, on Sept. 15.
The investigation began after Aranda brought the injured puppy to a local emergency veterinary clinic. Veterinary staff suspected that the dog's injuries were consistent with physical abuse.
American Canyon police and Napa County Sheriff's Office detectives investigated how the puppy suffered the injuries.
Investigators suspect Aranda physically abused the dog.
Aranda, who was released on bail, pleaded not guilty Sept. 16 in Napa County Superior Court to four felony counts accusing him of animal cruelty.
Each count also carries an allegation of aggravating factors for sentencing.
The court scheduled Aranda to return Thursday.
More: Man Arrested In Puppy Abuse Wine Country Case
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