The Taunton man charged with animal cruelty after an officer discovered a severely malnourished puppy in his car during a traffic stop faced a judge Tuesday.

Devin Preeper, 27, pleaded not guilty to felony animal cruelty in Brockton District Court. He was released on personal recognizance and ordered not to own any domesticated animals.

Preeper was pulled over on North Main Street for running a red light the morning of Nov. 24, according to police.