GLENS FALLS -- Glens Falls Police have arrested a local man for allegedly binding and drowning the dog that was found dead in the Hudson River on Thursday.

Matthew D. Wisell, 27, of Prospect Street, Glens Falls, was arrested late Friday night, after tips from the public pointed police toward him. He was charged with aggravated animal cruelty, Glens Falls Police Detective Lt. Pete Casertino said.

The dog's name was Murphy. It apparently belonged to his girlfriend, and had been having minor behavorial problems that prompted her to want to find a new home for it. Wisell did not live with the owner.

Wisell told her he would give it away to someone else, but instead chose to kill it, police said. He not only bound its muzzle and legs with tape, but told police he also held it underwater until it had drowned, Casertino said.

"He went and bought tape before he took the dog for a walk at Haviland Cove. This was a calculated plan," Casertino said.

Casertino said Wisell did not explain why he chose to kill it instead of find a new home for it. The killing happened a couple of weeks ago.

The girlfriend has not been charged. Police said she believed Wisell had given the animal to a couple.