SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. -- A longtime Sun City West veterinarian faces animal cruelty and theft charges stemming from two incidents involving two different dogs, Maricopa County sheriff's deputies said on Monday.

Employees at the Sun City West Animal Hospital at 13576 Camino Del Sol told Maricopa County Sheriff's Office animal cruelty unit investigators that Dr. Joshua Winston hit a 5-pound Chihuahua in the head three to five times with an open and closed fist, dislodging the dog's eye, deputies said.

The dog required surgery to correct the injury. "The eye was put back in and stitched," said Deputy Charles Scudella. "It's a wait-and-see if the dog still gets use of the eye."

Sheriff's deputies said the incident happened in the clinic on June 4 and was witnessed by two vet technicians employed there.

Statements made by the vet techs indicate the doctor became frustrated because the Chihuahua, there for spay surgery, was uncooperative and aggressive, deputies said.

"Vets are to animals like teachers are to children," said Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. "According to the employees who work at this animal hospital, this doctor crossed the line. My policy dictates that people who abuse animals, regardless of their position, go directly to jail."

The second incident allegedly occurred earlier this year and involved a Neapolitan mastiff brought in for vaccinations.

Witnesses said the dog was uncooperative, according to deputies. They said Winston became angered, and he dispensed the medication in the sink rather than into the dog and charged the client $80 for the medication, deputies said.

Deputies said Winston posted bond Monday night and was to be released.