Man charged after dog allegedly beaten on Highway 401 off-ramp: police

Police say a man is facing an animal cruelty charge after allegedly assaulting a dog on a highway off-ramp east of Toronto.

Durham regional police say officers responded Monday night after witnesses reported seeing a man assaulting a dog on a Highway 401 ramp in Bowmanville, Ont.

Police say several people stopped to aid a golden retriever after seeing the incident.

Investigators say the dog suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to an emergency animal clinic.

A 23-year-old man from Mississauga, Ont., is charged with cruelty to an animal.