HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Holyoke Police are seeking animal cruelty charges against a Ludlow man following an investigation into an alleged abuse incident involving a German Shepherd.

Police Chief Brian Keenan said the investigation began August 2, when Holyoke Police Detectives and the city’s Animal Control Officer were alerted to a video circulating on Facebook that appeared to show the suspect striking the dog with a leash.

The alleged incident occurred around 10 a.m. on August 1 near 600 Main Street. Detective Jared Hamel and Animal Control Officer Erick Velez spoke with the suspect, a 69-year-old man from Ludlow.

On Thursday, August 7, detectives applied for a criminal complaint in Holyoke District Court. The man’s name will be released if the complaint is issued and he is arraigned.

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