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Quincy police make arrest in 'Puppy Doe' animal abuse case

QUINCY, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Quincy police have made an arrest in the "Puppy Doe" dog abuse case.

Radoslaw Czerkawski, 32, was arrested in New Britain, Conn. on charges of misleading a police investigation. He faces 11 charges of animal cruelty in connection with the abuse that led to the death of the approximately 1- to 2-year-old pit bull mix earlier this year.

Officials said Czerkawski is a Polish national and bought the dog online. They believe he acted alone.

Police said Czerkawski had been living on Whitwell Street in Quincy, the same street where Puppy Doe was found. He was the caretaker for an elderly woman who died Aug. 31, but police said her death was not suspicious.

He was brought to the Quincy Police Department from Connecticut Monday evening.

The female dog, dubbed "Puppy Doe" was found barely alive near a playground and hospital in Quincy on Aug. 31, weighing half of what she should, with multiple broken bones, burns to the nose and stab wounds to the eye. Investigators said she also appeared to have undergone some kind of crude cutting to create a serpent-like split to her tongue.

Veterinarians determined the dog could not be saved and she was euthanized.

Animal lovers began demanding "Justice for Puppy Doe" in early September after the badly abused pit bull was found in Quincy with broken bones, bruises, and what appeared to be burn and stab wounds. Sadly, the injuries were so severe the puppy was put to sleep.

The Animal Rescue League told FOX 25's Bob Ward in late September they received $35,000 in donations.

Police are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the person who abused the puppy.

The rest of the donations will help the Animal Rescue League in other animal abuse cases, as well as aid programs devoted to preventing animal neglect and cruelty.