A shocking case of animal cruelty in the Town of Wallkill has led to the arrest of a dog owner on a felony charge after a dog was found strangled and left in a dumpster at an apartment complex Thursday morning.

According to police, officers responded around 1:09 p.m. to Country Manor Apartments at 100 Stratford Lane after residents discovered the dog and alerted management.

Eyewitness Robert Wilson told News 12 that it was he and his nephew who found the dog.

“My nephew found it and told me. He went to throw his coffee cup in the dumpster and found the dog in there. I called the office, and they found the dog. The police came,” Wilson said.

Police say 24-year-old Damani Guerra, a resident of the complex, admitted to lifting the dog by its leash—strangling it with its harness—before placing it in the dumpster.

Guerra was arrested later that day and charged by police with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony under New York’s Agriculture and Markets Law.

Neighbors described the situation as heartbreaking.

“To strangle a dog? Why would you do that? Why would you even get the dog to begin with?” said neighbor Tammy.

“I hate seeing people abuse animals. I’ve had animals for years,” added Wilson.

Residents say Guerra had two dogs, but only one was found. Police confirm the investigation into the possible death of a second animal is ongoing.

“This is undoubtedly horrifying to every animal lover who reads it, but it should be unsettling to everyone,” says Joan Kay, board president of the Hudson Valley SPCA. "This person must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We can only imagine what else he is capable of doing."

Guerra was released with an appearance ticket and is due back in Wallkill Town Court on Aug. 6.