A Wichita man has been charged with felony cruelty to animals in the beating death of a pit bull puppy.

28-year-old Brian Jackson appeared in Sedgwick County District Court via a video hookup from jail Thursday afternoon to hear a formal reading of the charge. His bond was set at $25,000.

Wichita police discovered the body of what neighbors described as a small, friendly dog late Monday while investigating a possible burglary at a duplex.

The person who called 911 also said her neighbor might have killed a puppy with a baseball bat. Jackson, who was living in the adjoining unit, was arrested.

Jackson has requested a court-appointed lawyer. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5.