Florida: Robert Adisano, 25, abused and tortured to death a small pig named Harriet

FLORIDA -- A pot-bellied pig that police confiscated after allegedly seeing its owner drag it down Duval Street died Thursday, prompting authorities to confiscate a second pet pig found living in squalor at the man's home.

Robert Anthony Adisano, 25, of 210 Angela St. faces a felony third-degree animal cruelty charge stemming from the alleged pig-dragging early Wednesday.

Authorities on Thursday agreed to file an additional animal cruelty charge regarding the second pig, and are researching still more possible charges, said Chuck Best, a spokesman for the Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The charges so far could bring a maximum $20,000 fine and 10 years in state prison, said Monroe County Assistant State Attorney Patrick McCullah.

Key West police arrested Adisano around 4 a.m. after an officer allegedly saw him dragging a squealing pig named Harriet on its back over broken glass in the 300 block of the street, reports say. 

Adisano, who had come from an unknown bar, told police in vulgar terms that he was using the pig to meet women, reports say.

Other witnesses accused Adisano of kicking the animal, Best said.

The pig's nose and mouth were bleeding when it died of internal injuries a short time later while in the care of the Florida Keys SPCA, Best said.

Best then went to Adisano's residence -- apparently owned by two Georgia women -- and removed another injured pig living in a small cage barely bigger than the animal, he said.

"It was living in deplorable conditions," Best said. "No food, no water, no shelter -- I got covered in blood just getting the animal to the shelter."

Its only food source appeared to be a rotting fish, Best said.

Shelter workers, who named the pig Sunshine, removed rocks and other debris embedded in its flesh, Best said.

"It had a lot of lacerations and wounds that we sutured," Best said. "It's in stable condition right now and on plenty of antibiotics."

Best said he was horrified by the treatment both animals endured.

"We all know these are pigs, but this isn't a farm. Even people at farms don't treat pigs this way," Best said. "I don't think I've ever seen a case like this. I don't think a pig could be treated any worse. 

"No matter what kind of animal it is, it deserves to be treated with compassion. This animal had open wounds and was obviously in pain."

The second pig recovered and was sent to a sanctuary

Best was not sure where the pig will be sent after it heals.

Adisano remains in Monroe County jail on $50,000 bond. His first court appearance has not been scheduled.

ARREST INFO:
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth date: 8/01/1983
Home Address: 48 BLUEWATER DR/14.5 MM OC, KEY WEST, FL 33040
Arrest Date: 3/11/2009
Location: BLOCK OF DUVAL ST KEY WEST, 300
Arresting Agency: KWPD - KWPD
Charge:
1 Felony Count(s) of 828.12.2
CAUSE CRUEL DEATH PAIN AND SUFFERING

(Keys News - March 13, 2009)