LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The lawyer for a Louisville man accused of torturing and killing a puppy told a different story about what happened in court Wednesday.

Louisville Metro Police arrested Demetrius Hebert Tuesday. He's accused of swinging a puppy around by its neck and throwing the animal across a room during an argument with his girlfriend, with the puppy hitting a glass table.

Police responding to the scene rushed the puppy to Shively Animal Hospital, but the puppy died before receiving medical treatment.

LMPD had been looking for Hebert since June 3 for felony dog torture, when the department asked for help finding him in a Facebook post.

In court Wednesday morning during his arraignment, Hebert's lawyer told a different version of the events that led to the puppy's death. 

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The lawyer told the judge Hebert's girlfriend pushed him, and he fell on the dog. 

Hebert pleaded not guilty to one count of torture of a dog or cat. A judge set his bond at $10,000. He's scheduled to appear in court again June 23 for a preliminary hearing.

Almost a year ago, Ethan's Law took effect in Kentucky. The law ensures animal abusers are held accountable for their first offense, making the crime a felony instead of a misdemeanor. 

The Animal Legal Defense Fund ranked Kentucky as the fifth-worst state for animal protection laws in 2024.

Previous Coverage: 

Man accused of torturing, killing puppy arrested, Louisville police say

Louisville police continue search for man accused of killing puppy

Louisville police searching for man accused of violently swinging, throwing puppy who died

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