A Florida man has been charged with animal cruelty after being caught on camera violently throwing a 1-year-old puppy onto a concrete floor.
Marco Zuluaga, 28, was arrested on December 27 by Osceola County police after an “animal complaint” was reported at an apartment complex in Kissimmee, Florida... Continue reading here ▶
The apartment management provided surveillance footage showing Zuluaga carrying a small dog. Off-camera, a loud noise, like something being slammed onto a hard surface, is heard.
The video then shows Zuluaga violently throwing the dog onto the concrete floor outside in a motion similar to throwing a pitcher. The dog yelps in pain and runs away.
At a press conference on December 30, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez explained that Zuluaga attacked the dog, an Australian shepherd puppy named Lilly, because she had an accident on the carpet.
Lopez revealed that, off-camera, Zuluaga also slammed Lilly against a balcony railing and considered throwing her from the third floor.
The force Zuluaga used was so violent that he injured his own shoulder and caused Lilly to bounce off the ground upon impact. Sheriff Lopez described the act as “disgusting, disturbing, and unacceptable,” adding, “It’s a miracle he didn’t kill this dog.”
Lilly was taken to a veterinarian who found that she had a dilated pupil in her left eye and bruising on her underbelly. Fortunately, she is expected to recover fully.
Zuluaga was charged with felony animal cruelty and taken to Osceola County Jail. He was released the next day after posting a $5,000 bond.
As part of his pretrial conditions, he is not allowed to have any contact with pets, and Lilly was placed in the care of Animal Control to ensure her safety.
Sheriff Lopez also shared some good news: Lilly has already found a new, loving permanent home where she will be safe and cared for.
