Deputies said Kimberly Stone, 47, was questioned and gave conflicting information about what happened. Investigators eventually determined his girlfriend allegedly asked Tad Ray Whitworth to "euthanize" the dogs for her, sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Horstman said.
Witnesses said he even tried to bury them because he thought he had finished the job, according to WFTS-TV.
Together, the dogs received 22 staples to close the wounds.
Horstman said the dogs were flea infested, had patches of hair missing and had overgrown nails. Bella also had cataracts in both eyes and could barely see.
Both of the dogs were treated and are now in the care of the SPCA of Lakeland.
An anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers led deputies to find Whitworth inside a residence on Lake Kotsa Drive, just east of Lake Wales, Horstman said.
Whitworth is facing two counts of felony animal cruelty. Horstman said Stone has not been charged but deputies are investigating her involvement in the crime and any possible charges.
Deputies say Whitworth has an extensive criminal history. He’s been in the Polk County Jail on 10 prior occasions and was just released from state prison in March 2015 after serving a one year sentence. He’s been to state prison four times.
“Obviously, this is certainly not a way to euthanize elderly pets. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control facility is certainly here to help people with that type of situation,” Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Donna Wood said. “You do not take that into your own hands with a sledgehammer.”
(WJBF - Oct 14, 2015)
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