MOUNT VERNON — A 24-year-old McLeansboro man is in the Jefferson County Jail after he was arrested Wednesday night for alleged animal cruelty.

Alexander J. Harshbarger was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court on a charge of violating an order of protection.

Mt. Vernon police took Harshbarger into custody after they responded to a call at the Huck’s Convenience Store at 3300 Broadway just before 10 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a man abusing a dog. Upon arrival, authorities witnessed a dog that showed evidence of bleeding after allegedly being struck by the man and slammed to the ground.

Harshbarger remains in the Jefferson County Jail to await the formal filing of charges. His combined bail in both cases is $4,500.