A Massachusetts man is facing charges after police in Fairhaven say he burned his dog with a hot fireplace poker.
Paulo Raposo, 45, is expected to be arraigned in Third District Court on Aug. 9 on a cruelty to animals charge.
Police had been investigating Raposo since June 19 when officers were called to a home on Morton Street after receiving a report he had been abusing his one and a half-year-old dog named Bella.
Authorities said the Portuguese water dog was reportedly kicked and dragged and allegedly burned with a hot fireplace poker.
Fairhaven Animal Control was called in and removed Bella from the home. The dog was then taken to an area veterinary hospital where her burns were deemed to be deliberate.
Bella is currently in the care and custody of the Town of Fairhaven, according to police.
