A 10-year-old boy spoke exclusively to Channel 5 News after recording what he described as a man abusing a dog in Donna.

The man in the video, Juan Pedro Becerra, is now in custody.

At the request of the child’s mother, the identity of the child will be hidden. 

The boy said what he saw was upsetting.

“He got a shovel first and started hitting the little dog, and put them inside with the shovel,” the boy said. “It’s a little dog, they can’t defend themselves.”

The boy said others in the neighborhood had seen this before, and grownups told him to keep an eye out.

READ MORE: Donna man filmed while allegedly striking a dog arrested on animal cruelty charge

“The neighbors had said when we see him to record so we can show the police,” the boy said.

Becerra was arrested on Sunday, the day after the video was shown to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Two dogs from Becerra’s property were transported to a shelter.

Channel 5 News spoke with Yaqui Animal Rescue, who said documenting abuse is important.

“Sometimes it is the only thing that police or prosecutors can use to prosecute these individuals," Yaqui Animal Rescue Chief Operations Officer Rebecca Chavez said.

The boy said he's glad his video prompted action from authorities. 

“[I hope] he learns his lesson to not be hitting dogs,” the boy said.

Hidalgo County jail records show Becerra remains in custody on a charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals – kill/poison/causing serious bodily injury. 

Watch the video above for the full story.