BROOKLINE – A Mosher Drive man is facing a criminal charge after police say he choked and punched his dog in front of witnesses.

Joseph Driscoll, 59, of 6 Mosher Drive, was arrested Monday on one misdemeanour count of cruelty to animals, according to a statement released by Brookline police.

Police state witnesses in the parking lot of the State Line Convenience Store on Nov. 24 saw Driscoll abusing his mixed-breed dog, Slater. One witness told police Driscoll was trying to get his dog into his car and was twisting on the dog’s chain collar, causing it to yelp. A second witness told officers that he saw Driscoll punch the dog hard in the ribs two or three times, and that the dog was choking from the leash being pulled so hard. Police say that witness confronted Driscoll about his treatment of the dog.

“Mind your own (deleted) business,” Driscoll reportedly responded.

Police say when Driscoll was arrested, Slater was found chained outside in 20 degree temperatures, during a snowstorm, and wearing a prong collar. Slater is currently in the custody of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire and is being evaluated. Driscoll is free on personal recognizance and is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 23, in the 9th Circuit-District Division-Milford.

Damien Fisher can be reached at 594-1245 or dfisher@nashuatelegraph.com or @Telegraph_DF.

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