‘He just wanted love’: Volunteers shocked to learn newly adopted dog was found decapitated
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A St. Petersburg man was arrested Tuesday after his newly adopted dog was found dead inside a plastic bag.
According to deputies, Domingo Rodriguez, 66 is accused of decapitating the bulldog mix, named Dexter, and then dumping it in the mangroves on Saturday.
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“You think they are going to have a wonderful life, never in a million years would you think that something so bad, so tragic could happen to them,” volunteer Robin Warniment said.
“This little boy was so sweet and so wonderful,” Warniment added. “All he ever wanted to do was get on your lap, he didn’t want to play with toys, and he might of wanted to play fetch a little bit.”
Volunteers who cared for the dog were heartbroken to learn Rodríguez didn’t do the same.
“He just wanted to sit on your lap, he just wanted love,” Warniment said.
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Despite the tragic incident, volunteers said they encourage more people to either volunteer or adopt an animal.
“I go in there at least three times a week, there my dogs until somebody adopts them,” Warniment.
The facility has pulled out of the Mega adoption event in Tampa Bay this weekend, where hundreds of dogs are up for adoption. The spokesperson wanted to allow time for the employees to support one another during this difficult time as they are feeling the effects of the loss of Dexter.
A statement was issued from Pinellas Animal Services.
Pinellas County Animal Services is shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dexter’s death and is fully supporting the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office with its ongoing investigation. Our adoption screenings include a check for any prior or current enforcement issues, animal cruelty charges or compliance issues with other pets’ license and vaccinations. The screening for Dexter found no issues that would indicate danger to his welfare. We encourage anyone who sees animal abuse happening in Pinellas County to report it by calling our offices at (727) 582-2600 and selecting Option 4.
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