Pit bull beaten with trailer hitch for over four minutes; roommate charged with aggravated cruelty

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after surveillance footage captured him brutally assaulting his roommate’s dog with a metal trailer hitch, leaving the animal with severe and possibly permanent injuries.

Key Points

Gabriel Martinez was arrested after being caught on video beating a pit bull with a trailer hitch.
The dog, Gypsy, suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries and may lose a limb.
Authorities charged Martinez with aggravated animal cruelty; the case has been cleared by arrest.

The incident occurred earlier this week when the dog’s owner returned home from work to find his four-year-old female pit bull, Gypsy, bleeding and whimpering on the ground. Authorities say a subsequent investigation revealed the dog had been attacked by the victim’s roommate, Gabriel Martinez.

Surveillance footage reviewed by police showed Martinez striking Gypsy with a trailer hitch and ball for four minutes and eighteen seconds. He was taken into custody and now faces felony charges for aggravated cruelty to animals.

Gypsy was transported to Animal Care and Control for emergency medical treatment. A veterinarian diagnosed her with multiple traumatic injuries, including a broken paw, several limb fractures, bone contusions, and abdominal bruising. Tests confirmed the injuries were the result of repeated blunt force trauma.

Photo: pit bull beaten with trailer hitch for over four minutes; roommate charged with aggravated cruelty

“Gypsy was in significant pain and suffering,” according to the attending veterinarian, who also stated the dog could face long-term health complications and may lose her injured limb.

Following treatment and pain management, Gypsy has been released and is currently recuperating at home under the care of her owner. The case has been officially cleared by arrest.

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