One teen charged with seriously injuring puppy

An El Paso teen allegedly shook and dropped a puppy on his head, and police said the owner failed to report the injuries.

The El Paso Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit arrested 19-year-old Joshua Christensen. Investigators said he was caring for a 6- to 7-week-old female German Shepherd mix and left the puppy unattended in the bathtub. Christensen allegedly shook the puppy, dropped it on its head and caused head trauma.

AICU investigators were called to an Emergency Veterinary Center as the request of Animal Services.

The investigation revealed that the puppy’s owner, 19-year-old Alisyn Preston, knew about the injuries and failed to get the puppy “properly treated in a timely fashion.”

The puppy continues to receive medical care.

Both Christensen Preston were charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals and booked into the EL Paso County Jail. Christensen’s bond was set at $5,000; Preston’s bond was set at $500.