Thomas Baden Hall fronted Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to a charge of committing an act of cruelty upon an animal.

The violence only stopped when neighbours in the Department of Housing unit block intervened.

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Documents tendered to court said Hall was looking after his ex-partner's pit bull terrier puppy, who was male, black and named Diesel.

On November 24 last year, Hall was taking off the dog's harness when the puppy bit him on the hand at about 11.30pm.

Hall then grabbed the pup around the neck and began to hit its buttocks.

Hall hit the dog with such force that it began yelping in pain.

He continued to hit the dog until neighbours intervened.

Police said neighbours went to Hall's unit and took the dog from him.

Police were called and attended a short time later but the unit was dark and Hall did not come to the door.

Police returned to the unit the next day where they spoke to Hall.

"I basically got home ... and took the harness off. It bit me on the hand and basically I just lost control," Hall told police during an interview captured on body worn cameras.

Hall went on to explain that he "basically hit it around, grabbed it around it's neck and hit it on it's bum".

"I was bit aggressive," he said.

Hall also confirmed the puppy started yelping.

He admitted that the force he used was not appropriate.

"I do admit that it wasn't the right force to use." Hall said. "I feel bad."

Police noted the young puppy had a small mouth and teeth and was not capable of biting with force.

They also said there was no injuries to Hall's hands.

When police spoke to neighbours, they were unwilling to provide statements, however they did say that after taking the puppy from Hall that it was limping on its rear legs but had recovered prior to police arrival.

Police photographed the dog, which did not appear to need any treatment.

Hall was issued with a future court attendance notice.

Officers noted Hall was cooperative with them and made full admissions.

The case was adjourned to May 4 for sentence.

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