Louisville judge sets bond for man accused of throwing puppy last month

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The man arrested by LMPD after he was allegedly seen on video hurling a dog in the air last month appeared in court Friday.

Coplen Lay, 34, was arrested Thursday after Louisville Metro Police received an anonymous tip on the LMPD crime tip line.

Lay pleaded not guilty to one count of felony torture of a dog, and the judge set his bond at $5,000. A public defender will also be appointed.

According to police, surveillance footage captured Aug. 6 shows a man in the 1500 block of Berry Boulevard throwing a puppy in the air by its scruff. The puppy landed on concrete and was injured.

According to court documents Lay threw the "white dog, that appears to be a puppy, high into the air. The puppy lands on the concrete and appears to be disoriented and possibly injured" before leaving on a bike without checking on the pup.

A few moments later, the video shows another person picking up the injured pup.

The judge ordered Lay to have no contact with any animals. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 30, according to court records.

Related Stories: