Germantown Man Arrested For Beating, Blinding Dog

GERMANTOWN, MD — A Germantown man was arrested on animal cruelty charges for hitting his dog so hard he went blind, police said.

Herbert Allen Green, 75, was arrested on three charges of animal cruelty.

Police and Animal Services Division Officers responded to a call on April 24 for suspected animal cruelty.

Responding officers observed a male poodle-mix named "Benji" who was bleeding from the head. He was lethargic and in need of immediate medical attention, police said.

Benji was transported to receive lifesaving care at a local veterinary hospital. He was examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist who diagnosed recent blindness in both eyes caused by recent trauma, a condition which will be permanent, police said.

Green was interviewed by investigators on May 7 and admitted to striking Benji. Green also stated that he was aware that Benji was injured, but did not provide him with the needed medical care.

Green was charged with cruelly beating an animal, inflicting unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal, and failing to provide an animal with necessary veterinary care, while the animal is in a person’s charge or custody.

Green was released on an unsecured personal $2,000 bond.

Photo via MCPD