Allston Man Arraigned on Animal Cruelty Charges

BOSTON, April 8, 2022—A man was arraigned last week on charges he beat a puppy – the second serious animal cruelty case arraigned in Boston in recent weeks, District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

Suffolk prosecutors arraigned ZODUS HOLLIS, 42, of Boston was arraigned on Friday, April 1, in the Brighton Division of Boston Municipal Court on two counts of animal cruelty.  He was released on his own recognizance with orders to stay at least 100 yards away from all domestic animals; stay away from, have no contact with, and not abuse any witnesses; and that he remain alcohol- and drug-free while the case is pending.

"I know the joy our dog has brought to my family, and how important pets are to so many in our society," DA Hayden said. "It’s cases like this that make me grateful we have laws allowing us to hold accountable those who would treat any pet with such cruelty.”

Assistant District Attorney Margaret Hegarty told the court that, on January 7, 2022, the Law Enforcement Department of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) received a call from a Glenville Avenue apartment building, where a witness reported hearing loud bangs and a puppy shrieking from Hollis's apartment. During a subsequent visit from Boston Police, officers observed the young pit bull with an injured hind leg.

The dog was taken to MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center (ACAC) for medical examination. Veterinarians found that he had a bone fracture in his left hind leg, in addition to several other fractures and skin lesions. His injuries indicated that he had been beaten at least twice over at least one week.

This is the second case of alleged abuse of a dog in recent weeks. Suffolk prosecutors arraigned Justin Williams of Dorchester on one count of animal abuse following Williams's arrest on March 14.  Videos depict Williams strangling a dog named and throwing the dog into a dryer and turning it on while yelling profanities.

Hollis is represented by attorney Francis Sacco. He is expected to return to the Brighton Division of Boston Municipal Court on May 27.

James Borghesani, Chief of Communications

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.