Pinellas County, FL – A Florida man was arrested and is facing charges for an unthinkable act of cruelty that left his newly adopted dog, Dexter, dead. Just one day after 66-year-old Domingo R. Rodriguez adopted Dexter from the Pinellas County Animal Services, the dog was decapitated, wrapped in a plastic bag and thrown into the mangroves at Fort De Soto Park.
Dexter’s head had been cut off, but the microchip he received at the shelter was still in place and it led the authorities to his owner, who adopted the dog on May 10. Rodriguez initially tried to claim that Dexter had run away, but after further questioning, he admitted that he had travelled to Fort De Soto Park on May 11. Surveillance video captured Rodriguez at the park on May 11 with a large cooler in the bed of his gray truck.
The authorities say that Rodriguez had several “inconsistencies” in his story and ultimately, they were convinced that he was responsible for Dexter’s grim demise, charging him with animal cruelty and illegally disposing of a dead animal.
Volunteers who interacted with Dexter say that he was a sweet boy who craved love and liked to sit in your lap. But this young dog did not get to experience the love he so desperately craved. Instead, he found himself in the care of a man who cut his life short and mutilated his body.
Please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory fight for justice for Dexter. Domingo Rodriguez must be held accountable for his sadistic, despicable actions!
Domingo was arrested on two criminal counts, to wit: 1) Aggravated Animal Cruelty (F.S. §828.12(2); and 2) Unlawful Disposal of Dead Animals (F.S. 823.041.
Aggravated animal cruelty
FLA. STAT. ANN. § 828.12(2)
3rd degree felony Animal-Protection-Laws-of-Florida-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund
5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine
Watch Paul Mueller’s video about this horrifying incident:
We the undersigned demand that Domingo R. Rodriguez face the maximum sentence for the charges stemming from the cruel, sadistic killing of four-year-old Dexter, his newly adopted dog. This petition acts as our collective endorsement for Rodriguez to face true consequences for his actions. This man is clearly a danger to society, and he must not walk away from this brutal incident without serious consequences.
Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.
News:
Final Update 2/24/2025: Victory! Domingo R. Rodriguez has been found guilty of animal cruelty and unlawful disposal of a dead animal (all counts). The judge sentenced Rodriguez to one year and 60 days in county jail plus additional fines. Animal Victory thanks everyone who signed our petition, helping us secure a guilty sentence and justice for Dexter. Justice prevails!
Update 2/11/2025: The trial is cancelled for February 18, 2025. It’s our understanding the trial will be held after February 22.
Update 2/4/2025: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the DA.
Update 12/09/2024: The case is headed to trial February 18, 2025.
Update 11/23/2024: Wonderful news! The judge did not honor the request to dismiss the case. The next court date is December 5th set for a jury trial.
Update 11/19/2024: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the Judge and DA.
Update 11/5/2024: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the Judge and DA.
Update 11/04/2024: A hearing for a motion to dismiss is scheduled for November 12, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
Update 10/17/2024: Animal Victory has learned that the pre-trial is scheduled for 12/05/2024. The defendant bonded out and pled not guilty on 08/24/2024.
Update 10/8/2024: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the Judge and DA.
Update 9/26/2024: The pre-trial is now scheduled for October 17th at 8:30 at Pinellas County Courthouse.
Update 9/8/2024: Animal Victory sent petition with updated signatures to the Judge and DA.
Update 8/20/2024: Pre-trial for Domingo Rodriguez has been scheduled for September 19, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. Judicial Officer Keith Meyer presiding.
CIRCUIT JUDGE KEITH MEYER
14250 49TH STREET NORTH
CLEARWATER, FL 33762
CHAMBERS 9
727-464-6430
sectionb@jud6.org
Update 6/18/2024: There was a rally for Dexter at the court house. The defendant’s motion to squash the search warrant was squashed and the judge amended the bond to include no custody or ownership of animals until trial. No word as to a follow-up court date.
Update 6/9/2024: Animal Victory sent petition to the DA and Judge.
Update 6/5/2024: The next court date is June 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. EST before Judicial Officer Keith Meyer. Florida 6th Circuit Court, 14250 49TH STREET NORTH. CLEARWATER, FL 33762. This next hearing will be to rule on the defendant’s motion to squash the search warrant by Pinellas County Law Enforcement.
Correspondence filed by the attorney’s defendant is attached below.
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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.
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