Police: Man Bit While Strangling Shih-Tzu

A local man was arrested over the weekend after allegedly forcing his way into a neighbor’s apartment and strangling a dog because of its barking.

Roger Pelletier, 50, of Rockland Street in Portsmouth, was arrested on Nov. 28, and charged with burglary and cruelty to animals, both felonies, and simple assault.

According police, officers were sent to Rockland Street for a report of a disturbance around 10 a.m. on the day in question. A neighbor alleged that Pelletier forced his way into an apartment to harm a Shih-Tzu named “Oreo” because of its barking.

“Pelletier reported he was upset with the animal’s constant barking,” according to Sgt. Christopher Kiberd. “Once inside the apartment, Pelletier attempted to strangle the animal. A struggle ensued between the dog owner and Pelletier which prompted a call to the police.”

Pelletier was bitten several times, according to police. The animal survived the attack and the dog’s owner was not harmed during the struggle.

Pelletier was held on $5,000 cash bail and arraigned today.

Editor’s note: The following post was derived from information supplied by the Portsmouth Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch arrest report.