Naples, Florida – A 23-year-old Naples man is accused of beating his Goldendoodle puppy, Buzz Lightyear, so severely that the puppy died. According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Robert William Garon beat the five-month-old puppy on July 29, 2022, and then he and his girlfriend took the puppy to an emergency veterinarian.

The news release from the authorities outlines the puppy’s pitiful condition upon arrival at the veterinary hospital:

“The puppy was wet, disoriented, and unable to breathe normally. The dog was unable to stand or pick its head up. A veterinarian examination revealed possible head trauma, bruising to the right ear and mouth, and muscle damage throughout the body.”

Buzz Lightyear died at the emergency veterinary hospital – his injuries were too severe for his survival. Dr. John Morton performed a necropsy on the puppy at Humane Society Naples. The necropsy report included the following: “This dog’s death was caused by non-accidental, blunt force trauma to the head and body with secondary internal hemorrhage. I believe he suffered significantly from his injuries before death.”

Witnesses have stated that Garon locked himself in a room with Buzz and proceeded to pummel the puppy. Yelps and cries could be heard from the puppy for several minutes…then silence.

The authorities are appalled by the brutality of this incident. Sheriff Rambosk said, “This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse we’ve seen. No animal should ever have to suffer such a death.”

As if this puppy’s death was not bad enough, the authorities say this is the second dog in five months to die in his care.

Representative image of a Goldendoodle puppy

There is no excuse for what happened to this puppy – no excuse. Please add your name to the petition and help us fight for justice!

We the undersigned demand that Robert William Garon is held responsible for the abhorrent cruelty inflicted on his puppy, Buzz Lightyear. We are petitioning for Garon to receive the maximum punishment allowable by law for his charge of cruelty to animals. We want to see Garon prohibited from ever owning or residing with an animal in the future.

Garon was booked into the Collier County Jail; bail was set at $150,000.

Note: Individuals are presumed innocent until they have been found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

Detectives with the Collier County Sheriff

WINK News

NBC 25 News

Fox News

WFLA News

Update 8/01/2023  This case is still in progress.

One year later: Read the new court dates below.

09/19/2023 10:30 a.m. Pre-Trial (Private Attorney) Naples JOM

10/03/2023 9:00 a.m. Calendar Call Naples JOM

10/09/2023 9:00 a.m. Jury Trial Naples JOM

Read the court case summary here: Garon

Update 3/6/2023: Animal Victory sent a cover letter and petition to the judge.

Update 12/14/2022: Collier Circuit Judge John McGowan ruled in favor of releasing Buzz’s veterinary records for July 29 — the day he died — and Aug. 3. The judge also ruled that Garon will NOT be allowed to have contact with his family’s pets.

Update 11/18/2022: Animal Victory has learned that the next court date is scheduled to take place on 12/05/2022 at 9:00 a.m. Hearing Motion To Allow Travel And Allow Contact With Family Pet (To Be Heard At 10:00 a.m.), next court date 12/08/2022 at 1:30 p.m. (hearing), and Case Management meeting on 12/22/2022 at 1:30 p.m.

Update 10/20/2022: The uploaded court doc explains the vet records subpoena, court has been scheduled for 10/30/2022 at 10:30 am

Garon Court Doc

Update 9/9/2022: Robert Garon entered a plea of not guilty this week. It has been reported that he was given a polygraph test through the Naples-based John Hisler & Associates and according to his attorney, the results were negative. Recently, his friends and family have spoken out against the abuse allegations – insisting that Garon could never do what he is accused of. Animal Victory is continuing to follow the case closely.

Update 9/5/2022: Animal Victory has sent 18,564 signatures along with our petition to Solicitor Laura Marie Farrell.

Update 8/28/2022: The arraignment is scheduled for September 6, 2022, at 8:15 a.m. 

Garon_ Robert