PETER PHILIP LEBLANC arrested after being witnessed abusing his dog at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

- Florida, USA -

On the late evening of Wednesday, July 1, 2026, officers with the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Police Department, which operates out of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), were alerted to an animal cruelty incident in progress at the Arrivals curb near door 16.

According to the police report provided to Voice For Us by SRQ, several witnesses saw a male, later identified as 59-year-old PETER PHILIP LEBLANC (pictured), “holding a small dog several feet off the ground by a ‘choker leash’ which was secured around the dog’s throat.” The report described the furvictim as weighing 10 pound or less and stated: “The dog was clearly in distress, i. e. whimpering and moaning.”

Officers reported that LEBLANC yelled at the dog and continued to hold the furvictim off the ground.

As one of the officers physically restrained LEBLANC against the wall, the other officers tried to free the leash from LEBLANC’s hand, and ordered him to let go but he did not comply. At that point LEBLANC told officers that the dog had bitten him many times, and said that he would be bitten again if he let the leash go. According to the report, LEBLANC claimed that “he was only trying to place the dog in a nylon dog container.”

Officers observed puncture wounds on LEBLANC’s right hand and paramedics were called to the scene. LEBLANC, however, refused to be treated and yelled at the paramedics, at the officers, and at the witnesses.

SRQ Officers reviewed airport camera footage which showed that LEBLANC had lifted the poor dog off the ground “3 or 4 times”, stated the affidavit and that the furvictim bit LEBLANC while being cruelly lifted off the ground.

According to the report, the dog was inspected by officers and released to LEBLANC’s wife, Kerry Le Blanc, “for safe keeping.” The report further stated that upon releasing the dog to Kerry, “Officers noted the dog calmed down immediately.”

LEBLANC, of Bedford, New Hampshire, was placed under arrest and charged with one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty. He was booked into the Sarasota County Jail and released after posting bond. Court records show that LEBLANC’s arraignment is set to take place on July 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Additionally, a Trespass notice for 5 years was issued to LEBLANC.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the police report provided to Voice For Us by SRQ. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

LEBLANC’s mugshot shared from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

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