A 23-year-old Kona man has been charged with beating his dog and car theft.

Joshua White Tuesday was charged  with felony cruelty to animals, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and first-degree theft. His bail was set at $45,000. 

A Kona patrol officer said he saw the suspect  Monday repeatedly punching his dog in a car on Palihiolo Street in the Kealakekua area. The Humane Society was called and police identified White, who was wanted for a car theft from a body shop on Maiau Street in Kailua-Kona on Oct. 7. 

White was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.