A Redding man’s trial begins Tuesday on a charge of felony animal cruelty for allegedly throwing his puppy into traffic. 32-year-old Eric Bethel was arrested April 20th after a Redding Police motorcycle officer on Hartnell Avenue reportedly witnessed Bethel on the sidewalk beating his pit bull puppy with the metal end of a leash while screaming profanities. He then allegedly threw the dog in front of a car, though the driver was able to swerve and avoid running over the frightened animal. The officer pulled over and told Bethel repeatedly to sit on the curb, but Bethel ignored him and walked away, allegedly pounding on parked cars with his fists before the officer caught up and arrested him. Court action was delayed for a psychological evaluation, but Bethel was found mentally competent to stand trial. Jury selection has begun.