BUFFALO — A Grand Island man has been charged in the gruesome death of a dog, according to Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard.

Brian Cline, 41, of Grand Island has been charged with a felony count of aggravated cruelty of animals from the Agriculture and Market Law, and a felony count of criminal mischief following an investigation into the death of a dog.

The pet’s owner found the dog deceased in its crate on Friday. After learning of the death of the dog, a neighbor recalled hearing the dog bark a previous night and reviewed home surveillance footage. The footage showed the offender striking and kicking the animal.

The owner contacted the Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, and after viewing the video evidence, deputies arrested Cline.

The defendant is held at the Erie County Holding Center pending his arraignment.