Abused Puppy Recovers, Denver Man, 24, Charged With Cruelty: DA

DENVER, CO —A man who dropped off an injured puppy at a Denver animal shelter has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, the Denver District Attorney's Office said Thursday.

Stephen Swett, 24, is accused of abusing a boxer/Dalmatian mix female puppy in September of 2018. Swett and his girlfriend dropped the puppy at an animal shelter, and volunteers noticed "Medusa" was limping and had discharge coming out of her eye, a police affidavit said.

Swett told the intake staff at MaxFund Animal Shelter that the dog had pooped on him and he had dropped her on a cement patio. X-rays revealed the dog had multiple broken bones and damaged lungs.

“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 in a press release.

“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.”

The dog is now called “Kayle” by her new owners, the DA's office said.

The DA's office thanked a number of animal rescue and veterinary agencies for spotting the abuse and helping to nurse the puppy back to health: MaxFund Animal Shelter, MaxFund Wellness Center, VRCC, Rocky Mountain Veterinary Neurology, Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services, and Denver Animal Protection, a press release said.

Swett’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.