An out-of-town man was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty Friday after witnesses phoned the sheriff’s station to say they saw the man beating a dog in a parking lot.

The dog, believed to be about 9 months old, was taken by deputies of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station to the Castaic Animal Shelter.

The alleged incident happened mid-afternoon in the parking lot near the Smart & Final Extra store and the Valencia Lanes bowling alley.

“Somebody at a business near Smart & Final on Lyons Avenue saw a person hitting and being rough with a puppy,” said Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff’s Station.

“Deputies arrived and arrested the man on (suspicion of) animal cruelty,” she said.

“Allegedly, he was striking the puppy because it had peed in his vehicle,” Miller said, noting that April is prevention of animal cruelty month.

A spokeswoman for the Castaic Animal Shelter said the puppy is not available for adoption.

“He is not up for adoption at this time,” she said. “The matter is under investigation.”

The puppy may go up for adoption once the investigation is complete.

“Every year, we ask supporters to celebrate this month by helping us raise awareness about important issues facing animals,” a post on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reads.

“Shelters have lovable dogs and cats of all shapes, sizes and ages who are looking for a good home, so please make adoption your first choice,” the ASPCA site says.