Man from Laurel County was arrested Wednesday for physically abusing a child.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Office K-9/shift Sgt. Gary Mehler was assisting a social worker from DCBS when he arrested 30 year old Robert W. Smallwood at 5:50 pm Wednesday.

Smallwood was arrested off Copley Road which is 5 miles south of London. After an investigation, DCBS and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office discovered that a seven year old girl was being physically abused. 

Smallwood was charged with second degree criminal abuse of a child 12 years or younger. Officials also discovered a female German Shepherd behind the residence that was in deplorable condition after being mistreated for 6 months. 

Animal control was called to remove the dog from the property. Robert Smallwood was placed in the Laurel County Correctional Center.