A Sullivan County man charged with violently beating a female pit bull has now been indicted for felony aggravated cruelty to animals, according to District Attorney Brian Conaty.

Samuel Stanford, 24, from Monticello, was arrested in May after neighbors heard the dog being attacked and called for help. A responding officer allegedly witnessed Stanford throw the dog to the ground and use his foot to stomp the animal in the face.

Authorities say Stanford was barred from contact with animals while the case is pending, as part of the terms of his continued release under bail reform.

Stanford faces up to two years in Sullivan County Jail if he is found guilty, according to Conaty.

The dog, Zola, is recovering and in the care of a foster family.

Stanford is next due back in Sullivan County Court Aug. 8.