Blanchard's Boss Bashes Beagle

In case you missed the news reports (WCVB, Globe) or online discussions (Lemmingtrail, Yelp), a video has appeared on YouTube that's especially disturbing to animal lovers.

Unless it's an elaborate hoax, it is footage from the surveillance camera at Blanchard's Liquors, in Allston, and it depicts a man stomping on a dog's cage until it breaks.

The Blanchard's in Allston is unaffiliated with the two Blanchard's stores in Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury.

The consensus from the reports identify the man as the store's owner. Stories indicate that he was upset that his son had hit his car, so he attacked the son's dog in the cage. Even though the cage collapses, it looks like the dog is walking well when led away.

Boston Food and Whine claims to have spoken to a relative of the owner who confirms the story and expresses disgust at the man's behavior. Barstool Sports claims he spoke to the owner who said he had "no idea what I was talking about but was going to look into it..."

Really? You haven't heard anything about this? He must be innocent!

This looks close enough to our recollection of the store interior. Based on our observation of the footage, it likely occurred before or after store hours, because no one is standing behind the cash register.

The MSPCA told Bostonist this incident is under investigation and would not comment further. When asked, the group did say that it is possible to be charged with animal cruelty even in the absence of serious injury to the dog.

There have been calls for boycotts and demonstrations (Craigslist, Facebook).

Video after the jump.