Miami, Florida – A deceased golden retriever, whose back legs were tethered to heavy cinder blocks, was found in the waters of Coconut Grove. According to news reports, it was Ryan Young, who lives on a sailboat, who made the grim discovery at the Seminole Boat Ramp.
“I noticed two little arms sticking out of the water and, at first, I thought it was maybe a goat or a pig or something, but then I got closer to it and noticed that it was dog paws and my first thought was, ‘Oh, my goodness, someone’s dog fell off their boat and drowned,’” he said. “And then I started looking closer, and I looked down. The water was clear, so I could see it really well. Then I saw, like, the rope and two cinder blocks, and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’”
Young’s words describing the distressing sight are simply heartbreaking:
“His arms were up so I think they really made him suffer. I think that he was able to breathe and then he got so tired that he just drowned. It seemed like both of his back legs were like, you know, he had torn all his tendons and broke them, I think, trying to survive. So, yeah, it was a very morbid act, it looked like.”
This dog, tied to heavy cinder blocks with his own leash, appears to have suffered horribly before dying. This is cruelty that cannot go unpunished. Someone MUST be held accountable!
Miami Police have confirmed that someone who investigators believe may be connected to the dog has been questioned. However, ownership of the golden retriever has not been established.
According to a statement attributed to Miami Police Chief Edwin Lopez, “The individual was questioned and arrested on unrelated charges.”
No animal cruelty charges have been announced in connection with this case, and the investigation remains ongoing. We do not know why the individual was arrested on unrelated charges rather than in connection with the dog’s death.
Please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory keep pressure on the local law enforcement. This horrible incident must not be swept under the rug and forgotten!
Video of dog in the water – distressing!
Anyone with information about this situation is asked to reach out to Miami Police Department at 305-579-6111 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. Individuals who submit a tip that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a $5,000 reward.
Florida Law Provides Serious Penalties for Aggravated Animal Cruelty
If investigators determine that this dog was intentionally subjected to an act that caused its cruel death, the circumstances could warrant charges under Florida’s aggravated animal cruelty law, Florida Statute § 828.12(2).
Under this law, aggravated animal cruelty is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The law also provides for additional consequences when a conviction involves knowing and intentional torture or torment that injures or kills an animal. In those cases, the court must impose a minimum $2,500 fine and require psychological counseling or an anger management treatment program.
These are not minor offenses, and this case deserves to be treated with the seriousness it demands. We are calling on Miami Police to conduct a thorough investigation, pursue every available lead, and ensure that all evidence is examined. If the evidence supports criminal charges, we demand that the person responsible be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
News
Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.
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Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
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