Stafford teen stabs puppy multiple times in Woodbridge, Prince William County police say

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - A Virginia teenager has been arrested after authorities said he stabbed a puppy multiple times in Prince William County.

Prince William County police said 19-year-old Alex Mendez, of Stafford, stabbed a family member's dog in the 13300 block of Paramount Lane in Woodbridge just before 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.

"It appears that it was not instigated by the dog. It was Mr. Mendez who decided stab the dog," Officer Nathan Probus with the Prince William County Police Department said. "You need to treat all animals, especially family dogs such as that who are very dear to his relatives who were there at the time, it was very traumatic to them as well, you have to treat them humanely. We're going to prosecute anyone who does not treat them correctly."

Officials said Mendez fled the scene on foot and was later taken into custody.

The dog, a 10-month old shepherd-lab mix named "Leo," was rushed to a veterinarian with serious injuries. Officials said the dog was expected to survive the attack.

Mendez has been charged with felony animal cruelty and was being held without bond. He was due in court in March.