An Omaha man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge. Police found a dead German Shepard in his blood-soaked apartment early Wednesday morning.

Officers were responding to an unrelated call of a man down at 640 South 69th Street shortly after 3 a.m. Wednesday.

While tending to that call the officers were approached by 38-year-old Anthony Schepis who told them he thought that his dog, Jake, was dying.

Police found the four-month-old German Shepard dead on Schepis' bed. The officers say there was blood on the bedroom walls and on most objects in the room.

Investigators say they spoke with people who heard yelling and heard the dog yelping. By one account the beating might have gone on for as long as 45 minutes.

The Humane Society says the dog's injuries included a broken hip, leg and skull as well as a ruptured spleen.

Schepis was taken to police headquarters and booked for Felony Cruelty to Animals.

If convicted he could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.