A Sloan man has been arrested following a disturbing outburst of violence toward his family dog.
Cheektowaga Police say 58-year-old Michael Tortorici beat and then shot to death his German shepherd on Sunday. Tortorici, who lives on Broadway, told police he shot the 8-year-old dog, named Max, because it attacked him. But authorities noticed the dog has been beaten.
They say an investigation revealed Tortorici because aggressive toward the dog, punching, kicking and beating it with wooden weapons. He then allegedly took the dog into his basement and shot it in the stomach with a shotgun.
Tortorici faces several charges, including aggravated cruelty to animals. He has been arraigned and is currently free on bail.