SUMMIT TWP — A West Virginia man is accused of bludgeoning a dog with a sledgehammer at a township home, leaving it badly bloodied with a swollen snout and broken teeth, authorities said.

State police Saturday arrested John G. Riordan, 47, of Rock Cave on felony animal cruelty and other charges. He is in the Butler County Prison on $150,000 bond.

The dog's owner notified authorities after he returned to his Green Manor Drive home and found his injured 12-year-old Springer Spaniel. He told police that Riordan had been staying at his house and was the only one there with the dog for the “few hours” he was away.

Field sobriety tests indicated Riordan was impaired, police said, but he refused breath or blood testing. Police noted they also saw blood on the legs of the defendant's pants.

Read more in Monday's Butler Eagle.