WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police charged a Wilkes-Barre city official after they say a video showed him “violently” attacking two dogs.
According to the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, they were called to the 200 block of South Main Street for a report of animal abuse.
A witness told police that she recorded a video of a man, later identified as Darren Snyder, 46, abusing his dogs on August 4, as stated in the affidavit.
Eyewitness News obtained a video taken by the witness of Snyder allegedly abusing his two dogs.
Investigators say the witness told them she has seen Snyder abuse his dogs while walking them.
Image captured from video 
Image captured from video
In the video recorded by the witness, police say Snyder is seen “violently” pulling a small dog, lifting it by the leash until the dog is completely off the ground by its neck, and kicks the dog multiple times, according to court documents.
Authorities say in the video, Snyder tries to lift a larger second dog by the neck with the leash but was unsuccessful, however, he was seen kicking, and stomping on the dog’s back until it sat down.
The witness also said she saw Snyder kicking his dog two days early hard enough to hear the dog’s jaw clap closed from inside her work building, according to police.
Darren Snyder is the current Wilkes-Barre City Controller.
In a statement Mayor of Wilkes-Barre George Brown said;
It would be clearly inappropriate for me to comment on the pending criminal charges involving the City Controller. No matter how disturbing I find the allegations, this matter relates to criminal charges filed by the Wilkes-Barre Police Department against an elected city office holder. As Mayor, I have no jurisdiction or power to determine the next course to be taken by Mr. Snyder. I trust that he will make the right decision for himself, his family, and the people that elected him.
George Brown, Mayor of Wilkes-Barre
Snyder has been charged with cruelty of animals, and disorderly conduct.
