A disturbing surveillance video of animal abuse of the worst kind is making news.

Authorities say NYPD Housing Bureau officers were recently monitoring cameras at the Grant Houses in Morningside Heights when they saw a man kicking a dog in the elevator. The assailant, identified as Charles Grant, was charged on Wednesday with abusing a small, helpless dog.

The 12-pound Pomeranian-Chihauhua mix, which belongs to Grant’s girlfriend, is being treated at an animal hospital and is expected to be fine.

"That someone would do that to an animal could do something similar to a human being. We know that this individual has been arrested for assault, for criminal possession of a weapon. So, it is of concern to society when people can brutalize a defenseless animal like that," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

(We've posted the video below but warn you that it's rather disturbing.)

Think the video will guarantee jail time for the pup-bully? Think again! Most animal abuse cases end in a plea bargain so chances are Grant may walk. You can do something about that! Write a letter to the district attorney’s office demanding that Grant face real prison time!

Attn: Manhattan District Attorney
One Hogan Place
New York, NY 10013

In happier animal news, a while ago we told you about the Chihuahua crisis happening in California. As many as one in three pups in animal shelters in the Golden State are Chihuahuas. The massive overpopulation of Chihuahuas in California is forcing animal shelters on the West Coast to look to shelters on the East Coast for help - where there is demand for the little dogs that make great pets in NY’s notoriously crammed apartments. Virgin America, San Francisco's hometown airline, has stepped in to help by flying Chihuahuas from San Francisco to New York on Thursday so the dogs can be adopted into loving new homes.