Police: Kingston man stabbed his dog to death after attempting to poison it with fentanyl

A Massachusetts man is facing multiple charges of animal cruelty after authorities say he stabbed his dog to death after attempting to poison the animal with fentanyl.

Jonathan Paluzzi, 44, of Kingston, was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty (felony) as well as the possession of a Class A drug (suspected fentanyl), according to Kingston police.

Police said officers responded to 1 Kingston Way on Wednesday just after 1 p.m. to a 911 call reporting the sound of shuffling, crying, yelling, a dog whining, and a statement similar to “don’t touch me!” that was heard coming from a neighboring apartment, followed by complete silence. 

At the apartment, investigators found a dog, a 60-pound Bull-Terrier mix named Brutus, dead with stab wounds, police said. They also found “fresh blood and a set of bent grill prongs suspected to be the weapon utilized to stab Brutus.”

Paluzzi, who the department said is well known to law enforcement in the region, had allegedly been trying to find someone to euthanize the dog, authorities said.

“The suspect was reportedly unsuccessful in finding anyone who would take Brutus or euthanize him (due to the dog being healthy),” police said. “As a result, the suspect reportedly obtained fentanyl last night and then is alleged to have attempted to poison Brutus with the fentanyl this afternoon.”

When the poisoning was unsuccessful, police said Paluzzi stabbed the dog before leaving the apartment. Officers were in the apartment when he returned and he was arrested. 

“The MSPCA and other agencies have been contacted for assistance and are working with our detectives to obtain the proper legal process authorizing additional investigatory steps such as a necropsy, toxicology and more,” police said. “The hideous nature of this case has the undivided attention of the assigned investigators. The investigation will remain on-going to collect all relevant evidence and we will work closely with the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office to ensure the successful prosecution of the suspect in this case.”

Paluzzi will be arraigned Thursday in Plymouth District Court.

Dialynn Dwyer

Dialynn Dwyer is a reporter and editor at Boston.com, covering breaking and local news across Boston and New England.

 

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