Alcohol is believed to be the cause of a bizarre act that led to a brawl between three roommates.

The roommates, three men in their 20s, were hanging out and drinking at their New Mexico home when one of them, Joshua Cabrera, went after one the roommate’s dog.

Cabrera then allegedly bit the dog, angering the other two roommates, identified as Brandon Baker and Anthony Rivera.

Rio Rancho police say Rivera, 21 and Baker, 27, began fighting with Cabrera and are said to have beat him badly he lost consciousness. The alleged dog-biter was beaten and left bloodied at the end of the driveway.

When police spoke with him later, the beaten man said he did not remember anything about the incident because of the beating and had no recollection of biting him roommate’s dog.

Police say he was also heavily intoxicated when the brawl occurred.

Rivera and Baker were taken to Sandoval County Detention Center after being arrested on charges of aggravated battery, obstruction, and resisting arrest.

Officers who examined the dog said the alleged biting did not amount to animal cruelty or abuse.