Man Accused Of Strangling Woman's Dog To Be Held For 120 Days

PEABODY, MA -- The Lowell man accused of beating and strangling his Peabody girlfriend's five-month-old Golden Retriever puppy will be held for 120 days following a dangerousness hearing Thursday. Peabody District Court Judge Judge James Barretto ruled that Jeremy M. Picchierri, 31, of Lowell, posed a threat if released.

Picchierri was arrested after his fiancee went to the Peabody Police Station last week claiming Picchierri had killed Jack, her five-month-old Golden Retriever puppy. The Peabody woman said Picchierri had called her at work several times Saturday reporting that the dog was convulsing and vomiting. She said he was initially reluctant to take the dog to the Bulger Animal Hospital in North Andover because he had smacked the dog and was afraid he would be charged with animal cruelty.

A veterinarian at the hospital later told Picchieri's fiancee that the dog's injuries were consistent with beating and strangulation. Picchierri was arrested on Monday in Burlington, where he works at Oracle.

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).