Hearing continued for man accused of beating puppy to death

ORLANDO, Fla. – Lawyers for a Central Florida man accused of beating his puppy to death were expected Friday to ask a judge to throw out the charges against him, but the hearing was continued to March, officials said.

Luke Stribling is accused of beating his 17-week-old puppy to death after the dog went to the bathroom inside his home. 

Veterinarians later determined the dog suffered head injuries and several bone fractures. 

Stribling's lawyers have filed a motion to have the animal cruelty charges tossed out since they can't do an independent investigation on the dog's remains. 

Prosecutors filed their own motion in court arguing the X-rays and exams of the dog clearly show the injuries. They also said that Stribling admitted to hitting the dog. 

Stribling's trial is scheduled to begin next month, but it's not known if it will be pushed back.