Key Largo man, Todd Alexander, charged in death of dog found bound and shot

FLORIDA -- A Key Largo man has been jailed in the death of his dog, an 8-year-old female pit bull that was found inside a garbage bag with its mouth duct-taped shut and a bullet wound to its head.

The dog, named Diamond, was found in the bag by a motorist on June 22 along Gun Club Road, on the ocean side of U.S. 1 around mile marker 101.5. It had to be euthanized because of its severe injuries.
 

  

Diamond's owner, Todd Alexander, 36, was charged with felony animal cruelty and using a gun in the commission of a felony. Deputy Becky Herrin from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said Friday’s arrest came following a tip given to her agency.

She said Alexander told a witness he was going to “get rid” of Diamond because he was tired of the dog's snoring.

The witness, Herrin said, said Alexander left the dog bound with the duct tape for two days without giving it food or water before dumping it on the side of the road. He also reportedly hit the dog repeatedly with a metal pipe.

When found, Diamond was taken to the Key Largo Animal Shelter. Director Marsha Garrettson said then that Diamond, even with what happened to her, didn't lose her desire for human affection.

“She was wagging her tail when she was with us, even after suffering through all that abuse,” Garrettson said.
(Miami Herald - Sept 21, 2014)