Brockton man caught on surveillance video appearing to slam elderly dog into floor

"This is one of the worst cases I've seen."

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Brockton man is accused of slamming a dog into the floor at a home in Providence nearly two months ago.

Eric Pereira, 29, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly abusing and injuring a four-pound, 10-year-old Shih Tzu in April.

The Rhode Island SPCA shared a video that appears to show Pereira yelling and slamming the dog in a bedroom. Pereira was allegedly watching the dog for the day while it’s owner was away.

Earl Newman, special agent with the RISPCA, said the owner returned home and found the elderly dog unconscious and unresponsive.

The dog had fractured ribs, a fractured pelvis, and a serious head injury. Officials said all signs pointed to abuse.

“The owner had in-home surveillance system and provided us with those videos,” Newman explained. “So, we were able to identify the suspect.”

The dog made what Newman calls a ‘remarkable’ recovery after spending days in the intensive care unit. He said they’ve seen an increase in cases of animal abuse being caught on video, and urges people to board their pets at licensed kennels.

Newman said the cases are heartbreaking, and tend to weigh heavily on him and his staff.

“We spent several hours on watching videos over, and over again, and it wears you out,” he said. “This is one of the worst cases I’ve seen.”

Pereira was seen in court Wednesday and is being held pending a hearing.

According to Rhode Island Most Wanted, Pereira has a lengthy criminal record that includes firearms and drug charges.