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WEST VALLEY CITY -- A plea deal soon could be reached in an animal cruelty case involving a man who allegedly beat his girlfriend's dog because she was breaking up with him.
Anthony Spidle, 21, currently faces charges of aggravated assault and cruelty to animals.
During a hearing Thursday, a lawyer for Spidle said they are working on a deal with prosecutors that will reduce the charges and reduce a possible prison sentence.
Prosecutors say on March 21, Spidle's ex-girlfriend received voice mails from Spidle. She could hear "the sound of the puppy yelping severely, being thrown around and being beaten in the background."
Spidle also is accused of assaulting his girlfriend during an argument in May 2008. Both the woman and the dog have recovered from their injuries.
