Medford Man Accused of Animal Cruelty

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police say video evidence helped them nab a Medford man accused of animal cruelty.

Ryan Baker, 32, was arrested and charged with three counts of cruelty to animals, a felony. Police say Baker’s neighbor witnessed him beating his girlfriend’s pit bull, Bullet, and the neighbor handed over video that allegedly shows Baker punching, kicking, dragging, and throwing the dog on three separate occasions. Those incidents took place in December 2014 and January and March of this year, according to information released by police.

According to police, Bullet is in good health except for a cut above his right eye. He was checked out by police and Medford’s Animal Control Officer, Patrick Hogan. Police say the dog’s owner had no idea what had been happening to Bullet. The dog was released into her custody and is said to be “well taken care of other than his exposure to [Ryan] Baker.”

Baker was arraigned in Somerville District Court on Tuesday. More details about his arraignment will be posted when available on Wednesday.