NC man accused of beating girlfriend's family's newly adopted dog to death

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, North Carolina -- A Leland man has been arrested after what a veterinarian is calling the most severe case of animal cruelty he's seen.

On Dec. 1, the family of Christopher Simpson's girlfriend adopted a dog named Axel from Animal Services.

Simpson and his girlfriend went over to the family's house for a visit.

While they were there, the group decided to go visit other family members for the holiday; however, Simpson did not want to go, so the family let him stay behind and play video games.

While the family was gone, Simpson, 21, called his girlfriend and told her that Axel peed on the floor, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Jerry Brewer told WWAY.

He allegedly told her that he popped the dog on the butt and the dog bit him.

Yet, when the family returned they couldn't find Axel.

Brewer said the family called their daughter, who told them Simpson didn't know his own strength and when he punched the dog, he killed it.

Axel was found dead behind the family's shed.

A veterinarian performed a necropsy saying that it was the worst case of animal cruelty he's since int he history of his practice; Axel died of blunt force trauma and bled out internally.

Simpson was arrested Monday and charged with felony animal cruelty; however, he posted a $2,500 bond.

Records show this is not Simpson's first animal cruelty charge.

Brewer said Simpson was charged in 2015 for domestic violence and animal cruelty in Brunswick County but those charges were dropped.