A woman told Warren police that a man retaliated after she told him to stop hitting his dog.

The man, 40-year-old Benjamin Talanca of Warren, now faces charges of assault and animal cruelty as a result.

According to a police report, the woman claims she saw a man hitting his dog and striking it with a leash in Perkins Park on Saturday.

When the woman asked the man to stop, she said he called her names, spit on her and threw a can of iced tea at her.

When an officer spoke to the woman, whose clothing was still covered in tea, she told him what happened, and police began looking for the suspect described as shirtless with a mohawk haircut.

Talanca was spotted a short time later near a playground and was arrested and taken to Trumbull County Jail. 

Jason Cooke of Healthy Hearts and Paws Rescue arrived to care for the dog. The dog didn't have any physical injuries but Cooke said his behavior was off.  

“He’s extremely scared, cowering down,” Cooke said. “Obviously something traumatized the dog. He's always been happy tail wagging but when we arrived just something happened.”

Cooke said they have dealt with Talanca and the dog before but have never heard of him hurting the dog. Rescuers gave “Mic” the dog food, water and some personal space. After just two days, they’ve noticed he’s more comfortable.

“He seems to be happy once again and is doing quite well,” Cooke said. 

Talanca pleaded not guilty to both charges in court during a video arraignment Monday morning. The judge set his bond at $2,500 and ordered him to have no contact with the woman or the dog. Cooke said he will not give the dog back to Talanca unless the court orders him to. 

Cooke encourages anyone that sees animal abuse to step in like the woman did and call police.

“[Animals] need our support, they need our help. They can only bark, they can only meow. They can't tell us what goes on behind closed doors,” he said. 

Even though Healthy Hearts and Paws took in Mic, they are at max capacity. 

Cooke said they have about 60 dogs in their facility and another 60 in foster care. He said they are looking for all kinds of volunteers from people who will work at the facility, to daily dog walkers to people willing to foster a dog. 

Majority of the dogs they take care of are up for adoption. 

Anyone interested in adopting a cat, dog or volunteering can call (234) 855-5847 or visit here.