Arrest warrant issued for Providence man accused of slamming dog into wall

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — An arrest warrant has been issued for an alleged animal abuser who was caught on camera, apparently hurting a dog, authorities announced on Thursday.

Providence police said 18-year old Gerald Hazard, of that same city, is wanted for slamming the animal against a wall and then beating it.

Hazard is facing one count of unnecessary cruelty.

“Just those few seconds of being suspended in the air by a collar, cutting off the ability for the dog to breathe, is a considerable concern and a criminal violation,” Joe Warzycha of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals previously told NBC 10 News.

The dog, Crystal, which is a 6-year-old pit bull-type dog, is being cared for at the RISPCA.

The RISPCA is offering $500 for any information that leads to the arrest of the involved parties.

Rep. Bill O’Brien, who represents North Providence, told NBC 10 he wants to add $200 to the award.

“The Rhode Island SPCA will be working with Providence Police to apprehend the suspect, and have him formally charged with this crime,”Warzycha noted in a press release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RISPCA at 401-438-8150.