Austin Beliveau Jr. arrested for allegedly attacking dog in Burlington
BURLINGTON - A Woburn man has been arrested for allegedly attacking a dog at Mill Pond Reservoir in Burlington last week. Austin Beliveau Jr., 45, turned himself in to police on Monday and was charged with animal cruelty.
On Tuesday, December 5 at approximately 9:30 a.m., police received a report that a 69-year-old man and his dog were attacked while walking around the reservoir.
Police say Beliveau, who was on a bicycle and had two dogs with him, got into a confrontation with the other dog. Beliveau allegedly used his bike to attempt to separate the dogs, which caused the 69-year-old to fall.
Beliveau then allegedly beat the man's dog, Gigi, who suffered serious injuries. The victim's family said Gigi suffered a broken jaw and nose and some of her teeth were knocked out. She has since undergone facial reconstruction surgery.
"She's not herself, it's going to take a little while I guess," Gigi's owner said.
Gigi and her beloved owners are still traumatized from the vicious attack. "It was like watching his child get beaten," Gigi's owner said.
They did not want to be identified, but they wanted to speak up and share their gratitude that an arrest was made.
"I'm just thankful. The police were great, the vet and the media. He wouldn't have turned himself in if it wasn't for the media, he just wouldn't have," Gigi's owner said.
Gigi's owner was not injured in the incident. "I was very upset. They left my husband on the ground, at least help my husband up. He's an old man," Gigi's owner said.
Now Gigi's family is left with a hefty vet bill after the attack, but their hearts are full of gratitude that she's back in a loving home. They say just like every rescue dog she has the heart of a fighter.
"We're thankful! My dog is alive my husband is OK, so I'm thankful," Gigi's owner said.
