Florida man charged after deputies find dog, newly adopted, decapitated at park

Warning: The following article contains distressing content.

A Florida man is facing animal cruelty charges after authorities find a dead dog decapitated.

Deputies with the Pinellas County Sherriff's Office responded to an area at Fort De Soto Park on Tuesday night, where people reported a "deceased dog wrapped in a plastic bag," authorities said in a press release.

They discovered that the dog was floating in the mangrove with its head cut off. Using a microchip, deputies identified the dog as a 4-year-old male bulldog mix named Dexter.

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Owner admitted to going to park where dog was found dead, authorities say

The dog was adopted from Pinellas County Animal Services, an animal shelter, by 66-year-old Domingo R. Rodriguez last week on May 10.

During their investigation, Rodiguez told deputies that the dog ran away that night. In addition, he "admitted to traveling to Fort Desoto Park on May 11, 2024, and provided deputies with several inconsistent statements," authorities said.

Man faces charges, authorities look to stop animal abuse

He was arrested and charged with one count of disposal of bodies of dead animals and one count of animal cruelty.

“Pinellas County Animal Services is shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dexter’s death and is fully supporting the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office with its ongoing investigation," a spokesperson told USA TODAY. "Our adoption screenings include a check for any prior or current enforcement issues, animal cruelty charges or compliance issues with other pets’ license and vaccinations. The screening for Dexter found no issues that would indicate danger to his welfare. We encourage anyone who sees animal abuse happening in Pinellas County to report it by calling our offices at (727) 582-2600 and selecting Option 4."

In Orange County earlier this month, four puppies were found inside a hot car parked in a Disney Springs parking garage. One of them died as a result of its injuries. The temperature was in the high 80s the day they were recovered.