This is one of the raccoons that was allegedly attacked last month. Tony Smyth/CBC

The hearing for a Toronto man charged after a number of raccoons were attacked last month has been put over until August.

A neighbour called police to a home on Rankin Crescent, near Symington Avenue and Bloor Street West just west of downtown Toronto early on June 1.

The neighbour alleged a man used a shovel to repeatedly hit what appeared to be family of raccoons.

Dong Nguyen, 53, was charged with cruelty to animals and possessing a dangerous weapon.

His lawyer asked that the case be put over until next month to await more disclosure from the crown.

Nguyen's next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Animal officials said one of the young raccoons suffered damage to its feet. But they were uncertain about the extent of the injuries to the others, because their mother took the babies — also known as kits — away from the scene before rescuers could intervene.

The neighbour alleged the man had engaged in similar behaviour in the past.

Killing a raccoon is illegal in Toronto. The city's animal control department will only get involved if the animal is injured, sick or dead.

The maximum sentence for cruelty to animals is two years in jail while a conviction on a weapons charge can bring a sentence of up to 10 years.

(With files from The Canadian Press)