Mattoon Police arrested 26-year-old Michael Shutts on December 2. Police say he is accused of abusing his dog at a home in the 400 block of West Park Plaza. Witnesses told police they say saw the abuse, and couldn't believe what was happening to this 10-pound dog. A local resident who witnessed the abuse says he saw Shutts tossing the dog up and letting it drop on the ground. The dog is a pug-beagle mix that's now known as Pedroia. A call was made to police about a week ago and Michael Shutts was arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Authorities say the dog was taken to the Coles County Animal Shelter to heal. Coles County Shelter Director, Julie Deter says one of her drivers received a night call about a guy that abused a dog. The Mattoon Police Department requested assistance to take the dog into their facility. Deters says Pedroia was malnourished and suffering from bruises and paw burns. The animal had been standing for long periods of time in her own urine. Pedroia is on the road to recovery, after being cared for by the Deter family. Deters says Pedroia was only 10.2 lbs at the time and she is now 11.10lbs in just a weeks time. "She was timid and scared but she's coming out of it," Deters said. Sending Pedroia to a good home will take time because she needs more time to heal. Deters says "She's coming home with me every night and getting attached to the family." Shutts was issued a notice to appear in Coles County Court, but a court date hasn't been set.
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