CARROLLTON, Mo. (KCTV) - Charges have been filed against a Missouri man who admitted he attacked a beloved pet dog with a hammer and left it with serious head injuries.

Carroll County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Wednesday, May 7, indicate that Richard A. Lancaster, 69, of Carrollton, has been charged with misdemeanor animal abuse.

A probable cause statement filed by the Carrollton Police Department revealed that just after 10:55 a.m. on April 12, law enforcement officials were contacted by the owner of an injured brown and white male Pitbull. The canine had several open wounds that were bleeding down his face and neck.

Investigators noted that blood coming from the dog’s nose likely indicated severe head trauma. The owner told law enforcement officials that their roommate, Lancaster, had attacked the canine.

Law enforcement officials said the dog was taken to a nearby veterinarian, where he was diagnosed with serious cranial injuries. He did survive the ordeal.

Meanwhile, investigators indicated that Lancaster was taken into custody before he admitted that he hit the dog in the head with a ball pein hammer multiple times. His reason for the attack was not revealed.

If convicted, Lancaster could spend up to a year behind bars and be forced to pay a $20,000 fine. A criminal summons was issued on Monday, May 12, with an initial appearance expected at 9 a.m. on June 18.