EAST SPARTA (Tusco TV) - Stark county sheriff's officials say a Massillon man was arrested Wednesday in an ongoing animal abuse investigation involving a dog found injured last week in East Sparta. 

Kevin Fishburn, 23, is charged with prohibitions against companion animals, a fifth-degree felony under Ohio's new animal welfare law. His arrest comes a week after his 3-year-old german shepherd was found near the local landfill, with an apparent gunshot wound to its face.

The dog was treated at Soehnlen Veterinary Clinic in Navarre, before being released to the custody of the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, and expected to make a full recovery.

Fishburn is on pre-trial release pending the ongoing investigation and is due to reappear in court January, 28th at 10:30. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office requests anyone with information on the incident contact their office at (330) 430-3800 or the anonymous Crime Tip Line at (330) 451-3937.

RYAN HOUK, TUSCO TV