By Kelly Lucas
Campus Editor

Purdue Police arrested a student Saturday in connection with the killing of one puppy and the serious injury to another puppy in the Purdue Village (formerly Married Student Housing).

Scott A. Moulton Jr., 20, of 224-10 Arnold Drive, was arrested on two counts of animal cruelty after police obtained a warrant for his arrest, according to Lt. John Dorroll of the Purdue Police.

On April 3, Purdue police received a report of animal cruelty in the Purdue Village. Police responded and Moulton confessed to injuring one puppy and killing the other.

Moulton allegedly hurled the two puppies against a wall of the apartment. According to Dorroll, Moulton was the owner of both puppies.

Police could not arrest Moulton at the time of the incident because animal cruelty is a misdemeanor. According to Dorroll, misdemeanors must be witnessed by police before an arrest can be made. If not witnessed by an officer, the police must obtain a warrant from the courts for the arrest.

Moulton discarded the body of the deceased puppy, a Rottweiler mix, and police rescued the injured puppy, a 5-month-old German Shepherd mixed breed.

The injured puppy was taken to the Purdue Small Animal Hospital where it remains in serious condition. The puppy was treated for back, skull and eye injuries. The injured puppy is now in the custody of the Tippecanoe County Humane Society.

Jean McGroady of the Tippecanoe County Humane Society said the injured puppy might also have pneumonia.

"We're going to pay for anything that will get him back on his feet," said McGroady.

McGroady said animal abuse is a real concern because it may be an indication of other forms of abuse and violence. "This is a real serious situation. We want to encourage people to report all situations like this," she said.

As of Sunday, Moulton remained in Tippecanoe County Jail. His bond is $500.

Cruelty to animals is a Class A misdemeanor in Indiana and is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to a one-year jail term.