B.C. man arrested after puppy beaten, killed

Victoria police have arrested a 24-year-old man after finding a three-month-old pit bull beaten to death in a hotel room on Saturday.

Police were called to the hotel at about 1 a.m. PT after guests reported hearing a puppy cry while it was being beaten.

Officers found the puppy motionless on the bed and dog feces and bloody towels littering the suite, Sgt. Grant Hamilton said.

The dog was taken to a 24-hour veterinary hospital, Hamilton said, but could not be saved. A necropsy confirmed the dog had been severely beaten and died of internal injuries and multiple fractures.

Hamilton said the arrested man, whose name wasn't released, did not own the dog and was allegedly looking after it for someone else.

A search of the suite also produced drugs and steroids, but no weapon was found.

Hamilton said police will be suggesting charges relating to killing an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to animals. A psychiatric evaluation will also be requested.