SPRINGFIELD, GA. (AP) -- Effingham County authorities have charged two Springfield men with animal cruelty after they were seen kicking a puppy.

Authorities arrested 18-year-old Ashton Wallace and 17-year-old Jerrell Barnes Monday.

Effingham County sheriff's spokesman David Ehsanipoor says a deputy spotted the pair kicking a puppy back and forth to each other near the sheriff's office.

Ehsanipoor says the puppy, which appeared to be neglected, was taken to Effingham County Animal Shelter where officials said it was in good condition Wednesday.

Authorities say the puppy is a mixed breed dog probably less than 4 months old.

The Associated Press could not locate a phone number for Wallace or Barnes.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)