Sandy man charged with stomping puppy to death

A Sandy man faces a felony animal abuse charge for allegedly stomping on his girlfriend's puppy and killing it.

David Stepper, 41, became upset when his girlfriend brought home a puppy and demanded the woman remove the dog, according to charges filed last week in 3rd District Court.

Stepper grabbed a broom, and the dog ran under a bed. When the dog stuck its head out from under the bed, the man stomped on it, court documents state.

The animal squirmed on the floor and died of its injuries, prosecutors wrote. Stepper's girlfriend was holding the dead animal in her arms when police arrived.

Stepper also threatened to kill the woman during the argument, according to the charges.

He has been charged with torture of a companion animal, also known as "Henry's Law," a third-degree felony.

Aaron Falk