Dogs are called "man's best friend" for a reason. They are naturally loyal and sweet, and when you see any case of abuse of dogs or puppies, it will definitely break your heart.

Unfortunately, a Hamburg man was charged with serious animal cruelty.

WIVB reported that after the Erie County District Attorney's Office alleged that Ribarich intentionally injured a 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy, Kyle Ribarich, a 28-year-old Hamburg man, was accused of severe animal cruelty.

He was accused of throwing the puppy on the ground several times and hitting the dog with his hands, both clenching his fists and opening his hands.

If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison.

These animal cruelty cases absolutely broke my heart. I have been a dog owner for almost my whole life, and we adopted a bulldog and beagle from SPCA Serving Erie County in 2018. This is the best decision my fiancee and I have ever made.

How can a dog become a victim of such abuse, it puzzles me. I hope that puppy is okay; although the puppy has received treatment for a broken leg because of abuse. Order a protection order for the owner of the dog.