Dog beaten, yanked - Bridgeport, CT

Thursday, Jun 22, 2006

County: Fairfield

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Joao Fernandes

An Elmwood Avenue man was charged June 22 with animal cruelty after allegedly hitting and "meanly" pulling his 8-week-old puppy by the leash in view of an officer.

Joao Fernandes, 34, of 83 Elmwood Ave. also was charged with driving a motor vehicle under suspension. He was released on a written promise to appear in court.

Police said an officer was working utility duty near Fernandes' home when he heard a puppy crying. The officer, who had been a police K-9 handler, allegedly saw the suspect hit the dog twice in the stomach area and yank the dog's leash so hard it caused the dog "to fly off its feet."

When the officer told Fernandes this constituted "extreme punishment" and was no way to treat a puppy, police said, the suspect and his wife reportedly told the officer to mind his own business.

Fernandes was arrested as he prepared to drive away. The puppy was placed in the care of another officer.

References

• Bridgeport News - June 29, 2006

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