Massachusetts man accused of beating pet puppy multiple times

A Massachusetts man has been arraigned on charges he beat a puppy – the second serious animal cruelty case arraigned in Boston in recent weeks, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

Suffolk prosecutors arraigned 42-year-old Zodus Hollis, of Boston, was arraigned on Friday, April 1, in the Brighton Division of Boston Municipal Court on two counts of animal cruelty. He was released on his own recognizance with orders to stay at least 100 yards away from all domestic animals; stay away from, have no contact with, and not abuse any witnesses; and that he remain alcohol- and drug-free while the case is pending.

“I know the joy our dog has brought to my family, and how important pets are to so many in our society,” DA Hayden said. “It’s cases like this that make me grateful we have laws allowing us to hold accountable those who would treat any pet with such cruelty.”

Assistant District Attorney Margaret Hegarty told the court that, on January 7, 2022, the Law Enforcement Department of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals received a call from a Glenville Avenue apartment building, where a witness reported hearing loud bangs and a puppy shrieking from Hollis’s apartment. During a subsequent visit from Boston Police, officers observed the young pit bull with an injured hind leg.

The dog was taken to MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center for medical examination. Veterinarians found that he had a bone fracture in his left hind leg, in addition to several other fractures and skin lesions. His injuries indicated that he had been beaten at least twice over at least one week.

This is the second case of alleged abuse of a dog in recent weeks. Suffolk prosecutors arraigned Justin Williams of Dorchester on one count of animal abuse following Williams’s arrest on March 14. Videos depict Williams strangling a dog and throwing the dog into a dryer and turning it on while yelling profanities.

Hollis is represented by attorney Francis Sacco. He is expected to return to the Brighton Division of Boston Municipal Court on May 27.