Police in Milford say a 25-year-old man was taken into custody early Saturday after a small dog was thrown off a second-floor balcony at the Oak Ridge Apartments, leaving the animal badly hurt and partly buried in a snowbank. Officers responded to a 911 call, and the man they arrested was later identified as Alex De Oliveira, who now faces animal-cruelty and related charges.
Police: Dog Found Badly Injured Beneath the Unit
According to the Milford Police Department, the Milford Public Safety Communications Center received a 911 call at about 2:39 a.m. for a reported disturbance at the Oak Ridge Apartments on Pheasant Circle. When officers arrived, they found a small gray dog beneath the apartment, severely injured and partially buried in a snowbank, and immediately began arranging emergency medical care for the animal.
Arrest and Charges
As reported by WCVB, officers went into the apartment and discovered significant damage inside before locating 25-year-old Alex De Oliveira hiding in a bathroom. Investigators said he appeared visibly upset, showed signs of intoxication, and had become agitated during a phone call with someone in Brazil. Police arrested him at about 3:31 a.m. on Feb. 22. De Oliveira was booked on charges of cruelty to animals, disturbing the peace, and vandalism, then later released on $5,000 bail.
Animal's Treatment and Legal Context
The injured dog was taken to Tufts Animal Hospital in Grafton for treatment, according to Patch. Cruelty-to-animals prosecutions in Massachusetts can carry serious penalties. Under state law, convictions under MGL c. 272, §77 can include fines and prison terms, and certain provisions allow sentences of up to five years, according to Mass.gov.
Chief's Statement
Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino described the case as "a senseless, inexcusable attack on a defenseless animal," according to the department's post. Officials said the arrest followed an on-scene investigation, and that further inquiries are underway as the case moves toward review by prosecutors.
