PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire — A Portsmouth man is behind bars after police say he broke into a neighbor’s apartment and tried to strangle a dog because it would not stop barking.
Roger Pelletier, 50, faces burglary, cruelty to animals and simple assault charges after Portsmouth police responded Friday morning to the Portsmouth Apartments on Rockland Street. Pelletier reportedly forced his way into an apartment to go after Oreo, a neighbor’s Shih Tzu, because of its barking.
Police said Pelletier and the dog owner struggled, with Oreo biting Pelletier several times.
The owner was not injured. Oreo survived the assault and will be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Pelletier is being held on $5,000 bail and will be arraigned Monday, Dec. 1.