ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The man charged with setting a pit bull loose on a woman he was in a relationship with plead not guilty Tuesday morning.
Last week a grand jury indicted 34-year old James Cruz on charges of first and second degree assault.
Police say he intentionally released the animal on 33-year-old Mariah Schafer on November 30.
They say it happened during a domestic dispute at a home on Rockview Terrace.
Police say Schafer has undergone at least ten surgeries.
If convicted Cruz would face a sentence of eight to 25 years in prison.
Defense attorney John Bradley says Cruz is totally remorseful and never told the dog to attack her.
"He absolutely denied that he intentionally sicced the dig on her. In fact, had taken precautions to make sure nobody was around whenever he took that dog out, including that day," Bradley said. "And then she actually came down to where that dog was."
Cruz is due back in court for motions in March.
"He absolutely remorseful. It was a horrible thing," Bradley said. "This was a longtime girlfriend. This is not something he ever would've done intentionally."
Bail was set at $10,000 cash or $40,000 bond.