The man accused of mutilating live puppies in Baytown was supposed to appear in court Tuesday morning. He didn’t because, according to prosecutors, the court couldn’t find him a defense attorney willing to take the case after reading allegations that were so egregious.
Justin Reilly Belton, 44, is charged with four counts of animal cruelty. Reporters learned more about what allegedly transpired that led to Belton’s arrest on Saturday.
According to court documents, Belton arrived at Sunset 24/7 Animal Hospital at about 6 a.m. that day with six puppies that had been seriously abused. Records state four of the six puppies had legs or paws that were cut off.
Reporters will not get into more of the gruesome details, but investigators say “the puppies were crying in pain.” Records state that one puppy was so severely hurt, it had to be euthanized.
Belton was arrested at the animal hospital.