LARGO, Fla. (February 26, 2025) — In Defense of Animals applauds the sentencing of Domingo Rodriguez, who was charged with animal cruelty for killing and decapitating Dexter, a dog he adopted just days before. On February 21, Rodriguez was adjudicated guilty by a jury. He was sentenced to a year in jail, minus one day served, and ordered to pay $6,395 court cost and fine.

On May 14, deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a dead dog wrapped in plastic at Fort Desoto Park. They found Dexter’s decapitated body floating in the mangroves. Scanning for a microchip led them to Domingo Rodriguez, who had adopted Dexter from Pinellas County Animal Services on May 10.

In Defense of Animals sent a letter with 14,689 signatures to Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bruce Bartlett seeking maximum sentencing in this case. 

“It’s as heartbreaking as it is unfair that Dexter got a second chance, only to be betrayed by the person who was supposed to love and care for him,” said Doll Stanley, In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner. 

“While we would have chosen a maximum sentence of five years we are satisfied that he has been imprisoned and has been given the maximum fine of $5,000 and court cost,” added Stanley. “Shelters and rescues must be diligent in assessing adopters. Sadly, Rodriguez’s crime is not new to us. Low adoption fees and the desire to see dogs and cats out of the shelter does not protect them from adopters with cruel intent.”

Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin Co., California, with over 250,000 supporters and fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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