A Freeport man has been charged with felony animal cruelty after multiple witnesses said he was repeatedly hitting and throwing his dog, according to a press release from the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies were called to the area of 1 Jefferson Street in Freeport on Oct. 20, after 911 calls we received about a man abusing a dog. When deputies arrived, they saw a tan dog running northbound near Jefferson Street.

The dog appeared to be scared and in pain, WCSO said.