The dog was admitted to the hospital by his owner last week, and ultimately had to be euthanized.
The dog had suffered a fractured skull, and a hemorrhage to the left eye.
The brown, tan and white dog, named Spotiye, weighed 8 pounds. The arrest report lists Melendez's weight as 265 pounds.
Melendez, 33, was charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
