LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A Louisville woman is facing criminal charges after police said she killed her boyfriend's puppy.
According to arrest records, a witness observed Amanda Mikesell, 29, kicking a 4- or 5-month-old puppy several times outside her house.
Police said Mikesell then took the puppy inside the house.
According to arrest records, the witness could hear the defendant yelling inside the house, and then heard a loud thud.
Police said Mikesell took the puppy to a neighbor's house, saying the puppy had been struck by a car.
James Conner said Mikesell knocked on his door asking him for help. She lives two houses down from Conner in West Buechel.
"And she's holding the dog in her arms, she looks practically lifeless. I asked what happened. She said she got by a car," Conner said.
Conner said he didn't believe Mikesell and neither did Metro Animal Services. Mikesell is charged with torturing the dog, a felony.
Police said Mikesell changed her story and told the neighbor she had fallen on the puppy.
Conner rushed the puppy to the Bardstown Road Animal Clinic where, according to arrest records, the dog died from a ruptured liver.
"I think LMPD and us are working close together now has helped," said Metro Animal Services Lt. Adam Hamilton. "We also have more vets coming forward giving us more information about these injured animals that we now know about because someone's coming forward."
Conner said he paid all the vet expenses and for the necropsy to find out the truth.
The necropsy indicated that the puppy died from a ruptured liver, which is consistent with being hit by a car. However, according to police records, there was no evidence of external trauma.
"I'm no saint, people can attest to that, but I know right from wrong and I just wanted to make sure she didn't get away with it again," Conner said.
Mikesell is charged with torture of a dog or cat with serial physical injury or death.
Police said the dog belonged to her boyfriend.

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