A Boston man is facing animal cruelty charges after he allegedly mistreated a dog he claimed to be pet-sitting, prosecutors said.

Akeem Pierre, 42, was charged Thursday in the Dorchester division of Boston Municipal Court with animal cruelty and animal cruelty by custodian, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Pierre was released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from the dog he allegedly mistreated, not own any animals, report to weekly probation meetings, and undergo a mental health evaluation.

Law enforcement from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) were first notified of the alleged incident June 13 when they received a call and video from “a concerned citizen.” In the video, Pierre can be seen walking a

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