After the headless body of his dog was discovered in a park in Florida, a man was charged with animal cruelty with the crime.
Immediately upon the discovery of the dead body of a dog floating in a mangrove in Fort DeSoto Park, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office announced that they had arrested Domingo Rodriguez.
The sheriff’s office reported that the dog, a bulldog mix named Dexter who was four years old, was discovered on May 14 wrapped in plastic and had a microchip fitted into its body.
Only a few days before the dog was discovered dead, the authorities discovered that Rodriguez had adopted the dog from Pinellas County Animal Services when it was found dead.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies spoke to Rodriguez, who is 66 years old. Rodriguez allegedly told them that he believed the dog got away on the evening of May 10, but he acknowledged to going to Fort DeSoto Park on May 11. Rodriguez allegedly provided “several inconsistent statements,” according to the police.
Rodriguez has since been released from detention on bond after being charged with inhumane treatment of animals and disposing of the carcasses of animals that had passed away.
There is a lack of clarity on whether or not he entered a plea or retained legal representation.
