SARASOTA, Fla. – Peter LeBlanc, 59, of Bedford, was taken into custody on July 1 at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport after he was allegedly observed holding a small dog off the ground by its leash.

According to the Sarasota Airport Authority Police Department, at 9:47 p.m., responding officers found the dog dangling by a choke chain several feet off the ground and “clearly in distress.”

In addition, officers reportedly had to restrain LeBlanc to get the leash out of his hand. He allegedly told police that the dog had bitten him a number of times and would do so again if he let go of the leash. LeBlanc’s hand was also lacerated.

The dog was later examined and released to LeBlanc’s wife.

LeBlanc has been charged with felony animal cruelty and is banned from the airport for the next five years.

Under Florida state law, if convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.