Man is suspected of abusing puppy

A 22-year-old Encino man, supposedly despondent over a break-up with his girlfriend, was arrested for severely injuring a pit bull puppy, authorities said Tuesday.

Steven William Butcher is accused of breaking the dog’s jaw, two rear legs and inflicting numerous other injuries, according to the LAPD. The city’s Animal Cruelty Task Force on Monday was called to Butcher’s home in the 6400 block of Bertrand Avenue near Encino after someone reported that Butcher was threatening to harm the dog, authorities said.

The person who reported the incident, police said, had an audiotape of Butcher allegedly claiming that he was hurting the animal, which was heard “yelping in pain.”Butcher was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and released from custody after posting $20,000 bail.