A police sergeant accused of violently handling his own K-9 partner has now been arrested and formally charged following a months-long investigation into an incident that sparked outrage among animal advocates.

Sgt. Ethan Cunningham, 24, of the Frankfort Police Department in Indiana, surrendered himself at Boone County Jail on June 13 after prosecutors filed criminal charges connected to the alleged treatment of police dog Taz.

The case centers around a disturbing video that investigators say appeared to show Cunningham lifting the K-9 by the neck, forcing him against a fence, and throwing him to the ground during what the officer later described as a training exercise.

According to investigators, Cunningham claimed he was attempting to correct Taz after the dog allegedly tried to bite him. However, witnesses reportedly told authorities they did not observe any aggressive behavior from the K-9 before the incident occurred.

Experienced police dog trainers who reviewed the footage also stated that the actions shown did not appear to be part of accepted K-9 training practices.

The investigation later intensified after veterinarians at Purdue University examined Taz and documented injuries, including a spinal injury involving a mild vertebral dislocation that experts said was consistent with physical trauma.

Following the review of evidence, prosecutors charged Cunningham with felony official misconduct and misdemeanor animal cruelty.

The criminal case has now entered a new phase after the officer turned himself in to authorities.

Meanwhile, Cunningham remains on paid administrative leave while both the criminal proceedings and an internal departmental investigation continue.

The case has generated strong reactions online, with many animal welfare supporters calling for accountability and urging that Taz be retired from service and placed in a safe home environment.

As legal proceedings move forward, the future of both the officer and the police K-9 remains under close public scrutiny. Authorities have not announced when the next court hearing will take place.