Police say man beat girlfriend's dog because he was jealous of the attention she gave it

A man in the US state of Maryland has been charged with animal cruelty, after he allegedly beat his girlfriend's dog in a jealous rage. Maryland State Police told local news outlet, Delmarva Now, that 37-year-old James Michael Watson beat the dog on Monday (30 October) because he was jealous of the attention the pooch was getting from his girlfriend.

Police said that the dog, a black and white bulldog, was left with a two inch cut to its head and injuries to its left eye and nose. The alleged incident occured around 4pm at a Salisbury residence, Watson is of Odenton, also in Maryland.

The dog, named Brooklyn, reportedly recieved care immediately at the Healing Hands Animal Hospital, where she will remain. Watson is now being held without bond at the Wicomico County Detention Center, he faces one count of animal cruelty and one of malicious destruction of property over $1,000.

Salisbury is the county seat of Wicomico County with a population of just over 30,000.

IBTimes UK contacted Maryland State Police for further information, but did not recieve a reply by the time of publication.