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GREENSBORO — Police have arrested and charged a Greensboro man in connection with the burning and beating of a 3-month-old puppy left for dead in a park last August.

Police said Lashawn Demario Whitehead, 20, of 2407 Ponderosa Drive turned himself in to Greensboro police about 2:45 p.m. Monday, accompanied by his mother.

He was charged with felony animal cruelty and burning personal property. He was booked into the Guilford County jail in Greensboro Monday evening on a $5,000 secured bond. His first court appearance is set for today.

The dog, since named Susie, was found by a passer-by Aug. 20 in Greenfield Park with burns covering more than 60 percent of her body.

The light brown pit bull-shepherd mix had severe second- and third-degree burns on her head, back, stomach, tail and legs. The dog also had a broken jaw and teeth.

Based on the development of maggots found on the dog’s body, veterinarians estimated she had been left for dead for at least two weeks.

Greensboro police Capt. Janice Rogers said the case went cold for months until someone picked up the phone last week and called in a tip to Crime Stoppers.

“This was a 3-month-old puppy and obviously it couldn’t protect itself,” Rogers said of the severity of the crime.

“Anyone who would do a heinous crime like this to an animal is a great concern to our community and the area he lives in.”

Whitehead has several pending criminal charges in Guilford County, mostly related to drugs, trespassing and breaking and entering.

After the dog was discovered, she was taken to the Guilford County Animal Shelter and has undergone extensive treatment for her wounds and was placed into a foster home.

Marsha Williams, the director of the animal shelter, hopes Susie will be adopted this week.

“She’s doing great,” Williams said. “She’s been doing really well with a trainer and has been going to doggy day care.”

Initially, about 60 people signed up to adopt the puppy. But through an extensive screening process and with people changing their minds, Williams said the number of potential families interested is down to two.

“A lot of people changed their minds because she is a pit mix,” Williams said. “We are trying to find her a good home, and we don’t want people to be hesitant. We are still looking for people who are interested.”

The dog requires extra attention — because her ear flaps were burned off, she requires sunblock when she is outside. She also requires a rain covering to keep water from getting in her ears. She must be an inside dog.

“A lot of people’s apartments won’t allow pit mixes, so we ask (potential families) to check with your landlord to see if there are any breed or weight restrictions.”

Anyone interested in adopting Susie should contact the animal shelter at 297-5020 or stop by the shelter office at 4525 W. Wendover Ave. during normal business hours.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com