Pet Dog Abused, Yanked Around By Trainer In 'Horrible' Act Caught On Camera

A dog trainer in Holliston, Massachusetts, was charged with animal cruelty Tuesday after she was caught on camera abusing and yanking a client’s pet.

A video recording showed the trainer, 51-year-old Cheryl A. Rochleau, walking a German Shepherd puppy on a treadmill. The accused was seen pushing the dog onto the treadmill with her legs after it tried to get off. The visibly tired puppy was then yanked by the leash and whirled around in the air as the accused pulled on the leash.

The accused was then confronted by the police and was shown the video. “After the video ended we asked Ms. Rochleau if she would feel comfortable with a trainer handling her dogs that way and she said, ‘probably not’," a police report stated. It also added that the accused regarded it as “excessive”.

Further investigation was conducted on the source of the video as it was found to be two years old. The woman who recorded the incident told police that she was afraid of being fired and hence did not come forth earlier. Her name was not revealed in the police report. The police officers were told by the pet boarding facility, Holliston Meadows’ owner that the accused was suspended following the allegations, adding that there was never been an allegation against Rochleau earlier.

The accused was charged with one count of animal cruelty and was summoned to appear before court on Nov. 7.

Other dog owners expressed their grief over the event.

“I think it’s horrible. My cousin’s husband is a dog trainer and I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Alexis Spallone. “I have a dog at home. I love her a lot and that would break my heart if that happened to her,” said Nate Hoffman, a local resident.