Bedford man charged after airport video shows dog being lifted by leash

Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 12:45 PM

Witnesses reported the episode to authorities, prompting officers to move in as the situation unfolded.

Peter LeBlanc, 59, of Bedford, was arrested July 1 and now faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty after an incident at an airport in Sarasota, Florida, where surveillance video appears to show him repeatedly jerking a small dog and raising it off the ground by its leash.

Court records say the dog was wearing a choke collar. Witnesses reported the episode to authorities, prompting officers to move in as the situation unfolded. Video reviewed by investigators appears to show police approaching LeBlanc after those complaints.

According to an affidavit, LeBlanc did not let go of the animal when ordered and was physically restrained by an officer. Police said he told them the dog had bitten him multiple times and that releasing the leash would put him at risk of being bitten again. Officers also noted that his hand was bleeding.

The affidavit states that LeBlanc remained vocal toward officers, paramedics and bystanders after the arrest. Once he was taken into custody, the dog was turned over to LeBlanc’s wife. Police said the animal quickly settled down and left the airport without further incident.