The Austin Police Department has arrested John Kaschak, 35, after an investigation found probable cause that he was involved in a viral video of a dog being harmed on a downtown apartment balcony.
Kaschak was charged with cruelty to animals, a third-degree felony, according to APD spokesperson Clara Ash.
The video, which was posted on Reddit on Sunday, shows a man repeatedly shoving a dog with patio furniture and striking him with a belt and a towel. The dog, Boone, is a male Blue Lacy and is estimated to be 8 years old, according to Elizabeth Ferrer, a communications specialist for Austin Animal Services.
The case was investigated by APD’s animal cruelty unit and Austin Animal Services’ Animal Protection team. APD officials said evidence and witness testimonials from concerned community members were “instrumental” in establishing probable cause…