A Manahawkin man is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly kicking a pet dog, ultimately leading to the animal's death.

According to Stafford Township police, officers responded to a home in Manahawkin on July 24 regarding reports of the death of a pet dog.

"The subsequent investigation revealed that Cook allegedly kicked the dog one time, after which the animal died a short time later," Stafford police said in a statement.

The case was investigated by detectives along with Stafford Township Animal Control. Authorities subsequently charged Christopher Cook, 40, of Manahawkin with third degree animal cruelty. He surrendered himself to Ocean County jail on Aug. 22 and was later released pending a future court hearing.