FL Man Strangled Puppy That Had Cocaine-Induced Seizure: Reports

JENSEN BEACH, FL — A Martin County man is accused of strangling a puppy that tested positive for cocaine, multiple reports said.

John Burt Sparhawk, 62, of Jensen Beach was charged with animal cruelty, WFLA reported.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the case on April 28, after witnesses came forward, reports said.

Witnesses told deputies that they saw Sparhawk strangling a 5-month-old beagle mix as he held the dog above his head, Fox 13 said.

He also repeatedly lifted the puppy off the ground by his leash, reports said. The dog was choking and unable to bark when pulled up, but would cry when it was released back on the ground.

"I ran out of the truck, and I see a dog about six and a half feet in the air and it’s screaming for its life, and I said, 'Hey, what are you doing with that dog?' And he freaked out, he really didn’t know how to respond, and he drops the dog," one witness reportedly said.

Sparhawk claimed to deputies that the dog may have eaten something it shouldn’t have while in the woods, according to WFTV.

A veterinarian later determined the puppy had been exposed to cocaine, which caused the animal to have a seizure.

"The dog's pupils were blown," Martin County Sheriff Budensiek told WPBF. "Similar to a human being's pupils."

The dog is in the care of the Humane Society.

After Sparhawk reportedly visited the facility and threatened workers, he was trespassed and banned from the Humane Society.

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