The Austin Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a disturbing case of animal abuse that gained significant attention online. John Kaschak, 35, was apprehended following an investigation into a viral video that depicted him harming a dog on a balcony of a downtown apartment.
Kaschak faces charges of animal cruelty, classified as a third-degree felony, as confirmed by Austin Police Department spokesperson Clara Ash. The video, which surfaced on Reddit, shows Kaschak repeatedly pushing a dog with patio furniture and striking the animal with both a belt and a towel. The dog, named Boone, is an eight-year-old male Blue Lacy, according to Elizabeth Ferrer, a communications specialist with Austin Animal Services.
The investigation was conducted by the animal cruelty unit of the Austin Police Department in collaboration with the Animal Protection team of Austin Animal Services. Police officials indicated that evidence gathered and testimonies from concerned members of the community played a crucial role in establishing probable cause for the arrest.
In a statement on LinkedIn, Shravan Parsi, CEO of Kaschak’s former employer, American Ventures, confirmed that Kaschak is no longer with the company. “We are angered, shocked, and saddened by a social media video depicting John Kaschak, a former employee of our firm, engaging in conduct toward his dog that we find deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” Parsi expressed. He noted that Kaschak’s last day with the firm was February 6.
Boone is currently receiving care at the Austin Animal Services shelter located in East Austin. Ferrer mentioned that he may become available for adoption once the legal proceedings conclude, subject to the judge’s decision. She also encouraged community members to assist by adopting or fostering other animals from the shelter, which is currently managing approximately 50 animals involved in various animal abuse cases, placing a strain on their resources.
