Wayne, N.J. Man Pleads Not Guilty To Beating Puppy To Death

WAYNE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Wayne, New Jersey man has pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault and animal cruelty charges after he allegedly beat a 6-month-old Husky puppy to death during a domestic dispute.

A public defender entered the plea Monday during a court hearing for John Varcadipone, authorities said.

Varcadipone, 23, allegedly attacked the dog while he argued with a woman inside their unit at a trailer park on Friday morning. Authorities said the dog belonged to the woman, who was hiding in another room when the attack occurred.

Varcadipone allegedly bit the woman's ear and slammed her head against the wall during the dispute. He also allegedly assaulted his brother.

Varcadipone was arrested Friday night at a hospital where he had sought treatment for injuries suffered in the dispute.

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