DENVER — A 24-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after his puppy was brought into the MaxFund Wellness Center with multiple broken bones, an arrest affidavit says.
Stephen Swett was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals for abusing the puppy, most recently known as Kayle, according to a release from the Denver District Attorney's Office.
In September 2018, Swett brought the Boxer/Dalmatian mix to Maxfund because it was not eating, had thrown up the night before and had discharge coming from its left eye.
About a month later, he and his girlfriend returned to the center. This time they said the puppy was having trouble breathing and had collapsed, the affidavit says.
The intake person at MaxFund told investigators the dog was "not breathing right" and could "feel broken bones", the affidavit says. Animal Control was notified.
“By charging Stephen Swett with cruelty to animals, we are giving this puppy a voice and saying as loudly as possible, we will prosecute anyone who abuses animals,” said Denver District Attorney Beth McCann. “This story does have a happy ending as the puppy survived her injuries and is now doing well with her new human caretakers and four-legged siblings.”
X-rays showed the puppy had old and new rib fractures, a collapsed lung, a spinal vertebrae fracture and a broken femur. She underwent surgery, which was paid for by donations, the DA's office said.
The puppy is now 11 months old.
Swett’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 10, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 3C.
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