MA Man Accused In Brutal Killing Of Pet Dog Named Brutus

KINGSTON, MA — A Kingston man has been arrested after being accused of killing his dog "in a cruel and inhumane manner," Wednesday afternoon, according to the Kingston Police Department.

Police said they arrived at an apartment at The Point at Kingston on Kingston Collection Way around 1 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor who heard "shuffling, crying, yelling, a dog whining and a statement similar to 'don’t touch me!', followed by complete silence.

The dog, a 60-pound bull terrier mix named Brutus, was found dead at the scene, police said.

His owner — 44-year-old Jonathan Paluzzi, who "is well known to law enforcement in the region" — was arrested, according to police.

"The suspect was reportedly unsuccessful in finding anyone who would take Brutus or euthanize him due to the dog being healthy," police said in a news release Wednesday evening. "As a result, the suspect reportedly obtained fentanyl last night and then is alleged to have attempted to poison Brutus with the fentanyl this afternoon."

When the poisoning was "unsuccessful in killing" Brutus, Paluzzi is suspected of stabbing him to death before leaving the apartment, according to police.

Police said they were inside the apartment when Paluzzi returned home, after which he was taken into custody.

At the scene, investigators found suspected fentanyl and a set of bent grill prongs that they believe were used as weapons.

"The hideous nature of this case has the undivided attention of the assigned investigators," police said. "The investigation will remain ongoing to collect all relevant evidence and we will work closely with the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office to ensure the successful prosecution of the suspect in this case."

Paluzzi was held in custody "on a significant bail amount" and is set to be arraigned Thursday at Plymouth District Court on multiple counts of animal cruelty and the possession of a class A drug, police said.