Dog beaten with hammer is "saved" from abuse and now faces being killed at the shelter. (Now in rescue - see update)

A dog was repeatedly hit in the head with a hammer by his owner after it scuffled with a cat..

Garth is a 2-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier. Both he and the cat were injured during the altercation.

Their owner, 59-year-old Daniel Louis Turk, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals Feb. 22.

Veterinary Medical Director Lisa Centonze said Garth came into the shelter with significant swelling and "a deep abrasion on his forehead above his right eye."

Marti Ryan with the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center says although both animals were traumatized they have recovered from their injuries, are very friendly with people. The cat was recently adopted.

"The pet owner did state that he knowingly struck the dog a number of times and wasn't going to take it for care so we gave that animal that care and now we're ready for his really great home," Ryan said. Unfortunately, the shelter is at capacity and Garth is now on the euthanasia list.

For updates, please copy & paste this link in your browser- https://www.facebook.com/250846728289533/photos/a.886477568059776.1073742501.250846728289533/949570361750496/?type=1&theater;

UPDATE - April 10, 2015: Garth has been pulled from the shelter by a local rescue, Second Chance Friends (www.saveaboxer.com). He is still in need if an approved foster home or, even better, an approved adopter.