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COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — A man was charged with second-degree felony child abuse after police say he hit his 5-year-old daughter.
Michael Shaun Hall, 27, allegedly beat his daughter after she fed the family dog with food from the dinner table, according to Sgt. Corbett Ford of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department.
The 5-year-old didn’t like what she was eating and when Hall stepped away from the table, she fed her food to the dog, Ford said.
“Instead of disciplining, he takes it further and uses a belt and apparently a hanger, which caused substantial bruising and injury to her,” Ford said.
Hall later told investigators "I personally feel it was too much," according to charging documents.
The girl was brought to the hospital on July 24 when her mother discovered her injuries. The hospital found “extensive bruising on her daughter. Buttocks, back, arms, legs,” according to Ford.
The hospital contacted the police, who began their investigation at that time, Ford said.
After screening charges with prosecuting attorneys, police booked Hall into jail last Friday on one charge of second-degree felony child abuse.
"I don't know whether dad just lost his temper, I don't know whether he just has an abusive personality," Ford said. "For parents who might find themselves frustrated with kids, regardless of age, from newborns way up through 17 years of age, there are great resources out there."
Ford recommended Salt Lake County's youth services program, which has resources for parents and children. It can be reached at 385-468-4500.