Crime & Safety
Decapitated Rescue Dog Found In Plastic Bag At FL Beach: Sheriff
A man faces charges in the death of a recently adopted dog whose decapitated body was found in a plastic bag at Fort Desoto Park, PCSO said.
PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — A man faces charges in the death of a recently adopted dog whose decapitated body was found in a plastic bag at Fort Desoto Park, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office news release.
The headless male bulldog mix was found floating in the mangroves in the area of East Beach Tuesday just before 7 p.m.
Pinellas County Animal Services scanned the dog for a microchip and identified it as a 4-year-old bulldog mix named Dexter, the sheriff’s office said.
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Deputies learned that Dexter was adopted by the suspect, Domingo R. Rodriguez, 66, from animal services just days earlier on May 10.
When investigators spoke with Rodriguez at his home, he admitted to adopting Dexter and told them that the dog must have run away overnight on May 10.
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He also told deputies that he traveled to Fort DeSoto Park on May 11 and gave several inconsistent statements.
Rodriguez was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and disposal of bodies of dead animals. He was booked into Pinellas County Jail.
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