Buddy, a year-old male black Labrador mix, after an amputation to remove an untreated fractured leg. The dog’s owner has been summonsed for cruelty to animals. (Photo Courtesy Brunswick Police)
Police have charged a Brunswick man with aggravated cruelty to animals after receiving complaints that he was abusing his year-old male black
Labrador mix, named Buddy.
On Feb. 28, police received complaints that Robert LaChance, 29, of Brunswick, had repeatedly struck the dog and threw him against a wall in an alleged assault that lasted several minutes.
Brunswick Police Cmdr. Marc Hagan said LaChance had already left the site of the complaint when police arrived. Police launched an investigation and found the dog was already suffering from an untreated fractured leg. That injury had occurred a week prior.
The untreated leg has since been amputated.
LaChance was issued a summons on Friday, following several days of investigation.
He is being charged with a felony, because he showed depraved indifference to an animal’s well being and suffering, Hagan said.
LaChance no longer has custody of Buddy, who was initially taken to the Coastal Humane Society. However, Hagan said Buddy has since been moved to a safe, undisclosed veterinary location for treatment, because LaChance has stated he wants the dog back.
“We’re thankful that Buddy is in a safe environment now and that LaChance will answer for his abuse in court,” said Hagan.
LaChance is scheduled to appear in Cumberland County Superior Court in Portland on May 17.
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