Bond for Suspect in “Puppy Doe” Case Set at $500,000

The man charged in a brutal Massachusetts animal abuse case that has gained national attention was arraigned today and bond was set at $500,000.

Radoslaw Czerkawski, 32, of Poland, was arrested in New Britain, Conn. on Oct. 23 as a fugitive from justice and was charged with 11 counts of cruelty to animals in Massachusetts.

The case gained police attention in September, when a female pit bull, known as "Puppy Doe," was found in Quincy, Massachusetts so badly beaten that she had to be euthanized, according to NECN reports.

"Puppy Doe" had been starved, according to NECN, and her tongue had been sliced.

During a news conference in Massachusetts on Tuesday, law enforcement authorities credited media and social media for generating tips that eventually led to the arrest.

A report from to the Patriot Ledger refers to the beating the dog sustained as “sadistic.”

Investigators said the dog was listed for free on Craigslist and had several owners.

The second woman who owned the dog provided police with valuable information and h elped identify the dog, which led to search warrants. officials said.

Authorities think Czerkawski had the dog for around four months and that the abuse happened over a matter of weeks.

The case quickly gained widespread attention, including a Facebook page, “Justice for Puppy Doe” which has almost 60,000 likes.

Czerkawski was located at La Quinta hotel, at 65 Columbus Boulevard in New Britain on October 23, and interviewed in Polish, which is his native language.

He was cooperative and allowed police to search his vehicle.

Police are continuing to investigate and said this case is expected to go to the grand jury.

During a news conference on Tuesday, officials said he was in Quincy, hired to be a caretaker for an elderly woman, who died in August. Police said there was nothing suspicious about the woman's death.

Quincy, Mass. Police, the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the Office of the District Attorney for the Norfolk District in Massachusetts have been investigating and a news conference was held at 4 p.m. in Quincy.

“Please be assured that these three agencies are working in concert to identify and hold accountable the person or persons responsible for the torture of Puppy Doe. It is highly unlikely that this level of sadistic cruelty could be shown to one animal and not be part of a pattern involving other animals or perhaps vulnerable people,” Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement

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