LEHI — A Lehi man was arrested Sunday and accused of beating his 6-month-old puppy to death after it "nipped" at his daughter.
Brandon Wade Packard, 36, was booked into the Utah County Jail for investigation of aggravated cruelty to an animal.
About 3 a.m. Sunday, police were called to a veterinary clinic in Bluffdale where Packard brought his dog "Simba" for emergency care. A police booking affidavit does not give additional information about the dog, including the breed.
"Hospital staff told me that the dog appeared to have been beaten. Staff said that Brandon admitted to hitting the dog in his face and kicking the dog multiple times," the affidavit alleges. Police say the puppy died at the clinic.
When questioned by police, Packard said Simba had "nipped" at his daughter.
"When I asked if any physical contact was made between Simba and his daughter, he said 'no.' Brandon said that after Simba nipped at his daughter he struck the dog in the face," according to the affidavit.
He claimed he then kicked the dog two times when Simba tried to run away, according to police.
"After some time, Simba started to bleed from the mouth. Only after 3-4 hours did Brandon take Simba in because he noticed labored breathing. I find it probable that Brandon intentionally kicked Simba multiple times, eventually causing Simba to pass away from his injuries," the arresting officer wrote.
"Even after Simba started bleeding from the mouth it took 3-4 (hours) for Brandon to take Simba in for care. Simba's injuries are not consistent with Brandon saying he smacked Simba once and only kicked him twice but once really hard. Simba had bruising and internal bleeding. Also a collapsed lung that had filled with blood," the arrest report says.
