John Kaschak is charged with Cruelty to Animals, a third-degree felony.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department (APD) has arrested a man accused of abusing a dog on the balcony of a downtown apartment complex.
Police said officers responded to the SEVEN Apartments, located at 615 W. Seventh St., around Sunday, Feb. 8, after a resident reported seeing a dog being physically abused. Videos shared on social media showed a man restraining a dog against a balcony railing and hitting the animal.
The department’s Animal Cruelty unit and Animal Protection officers investigated the incident, interviewing witnesses and checking on the dog’s condition. Based on their findings, investigators determined there was probable cause for an arrest.
John Kaschak, 35, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 12. He has been charged with Cruelty to Animals, a third-degree felony, and remains booked in the Travis County Jail as of Friday.
The dog, named Boone, has been in the care of Austin Animal Services since Feb. 8 and will remain there while the case is ongoing. Police said Boone is “in generally good health” and continues to receive care and support from staff. Boone will not be available for adoption or foster placement until after the case is resolved.
Police said community members can support Austin Animal Services by adopting or fostering other dogs in their care.