Authorities have charged a Nokomis man with animal cruelty this week.

Charlotte County Animal Control tells the North Port Sun that the charges against 32-year-old Dustin Martel stem from an incident that happened in May of last year.

Martel allegedly left a dog unattended that later died.

Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones says Martel stands accused of animal cruelty and animal abandonment while living as a Charlotte County resident.

Jones claims officers discovered the female pit bull May 21, 2012.