Sign: Animal‑Cruelty Charges After Video Shows Elderly German Shepherd Dumped From Box Truck and Abandoned

Published: June 28, 2026 at 12:37 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Pembroke Pines, Florida – An elderly, cancer-ridden German shepherd was thrown from the back of a box truck in Pembroke Pines last week. According to the Pembroke Pines Police Department, 60-year-old Humberto Exposito was making a delivery to Sedano’s supermarket in the 10300 block of Pines Boulevard on the morning of Wednesday, June 24, when he allegedly threw the 13-year-old dog, Nico, several feet from the back of the vehicle.

Video of this incident is nothing short of heart wrenching. Seeing this elderly dog, who clearly can barely stand because of his painful hips, tumble to the ground several feet below the back of the box truck, is a punch to the gut. Anyone who has ever shared their life with a senior dog knows the anguish of watching their companions struggle with the pain that comes in their later years, and it is infuriating to see this man show NO regard for Nico’s pain and suffering.

When Nico was immobile on the ground, Exposito made no effort to help him. He continued making his deliveries as Nico suffered. 

They say that we can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals, but this case is about more than the heart of a man and more than moral character. This is about a video revealing actions deemed criminal by the authorities. A video that resulted in an arrest and multiple charges.

Decent humans KNOW what Humberto Exposito did to Nico is cruel. It is unimaginable that this man could ignore his dog’s tremendous pain. We know you are as sickened by this incident as we are. Please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory hold him accountable!

Video of cruel incident below – distressing content as Nico painfully tumbles to the ground.

Decision Maker: Broward County State Attorney Harold F. Pryor

Why This Petition Matters

Nico suffered tremendously because of Humberto Exposito’s cruel actions. This elderly dog had no way to protect himself from being tossed from the box truck, and afterward, when he was immobile on the ground, his frail old body racked with pain, the person he trusted did nothing to help. We demand that Humberto Exposito face the full weight of the law at sentencing. This was a despicable act of cruelty that absolutely must not go unpunished.

Click the PDF below to read more about the potential sentencing if Humberto is convicted as charged.

Potential-sentencing-if-convicted-as-charged.pdf

Animal Protection Laws Florida

Note: According to a June 29 press release, Nico is safe with a rescue organization. The rescue group said, “Healy Pack Senior GSD Sanctuary is honored to announce that Nico, the 13-year-old German Shepherd who garnered widespread public attention after being thrown from the back of a truck in Pembroke Pines and being considered for euthanasia has been released from Broward County Animal Care (BCAC) into the care of Healy Pack, its veterinary team and a dedicated foster family.”

News

Miami Herald

Hoodline

Local 10

Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.

Update 8/14/2026: Case #26007651CF10A, Defendant Humberto Exposito. Exposito has been charged with Cause cruel death and pain – a third-degree felony. Charge #2, Abandon animal – a first-degree misdemeanor. Charge #3, Impound confine animal – a first-degree misdemeanor. On 07/20/2026, Defendant Exposito pled not guilty to all three charges. Exposito posted a $3,000 bond – $1,000 per charge. No hearing has been scheduled as of today.

Update: For those concerned about Nico, he is being pampered in a foster home through Healy Pack GSD Sanctuary. He has received veterinary care and underwent surgery (successfully). The sanctuary is still awaiting the results of pathology tests. 

Update: Case #26007651CF10A, Defendant Humberto Exposito. Defendant Exposito has posted $1,000 of a $10,000 bond. The court has also ordered that the defendant cannot own or posses any animals during the course of his case.