A man accused of battering his helpless five-month-old golden doodle puppy Buzz Lightyear to death is to face trial in Florida.
Robert ‘Bobby’ William Garon, 23, has denied the killing that one police officer described as “one of the worst cases of animal abuse I’ve ever seen”.
Local media report he says he has lost his job and his life has been ruined following the allegation.
Garon, from Naples, Florida State, USA, – who pled not guilty at an earlier hearing – will now go on trial on 17th July.
He was arrested after taking the puppy to the Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier County where it was disorientated and unable to walk.
Despite treatment, the puppy died at the hospital from its injuries.
When he was unable to explain how it had become injured, an autopsy was carried out when it died, and this revealed the severe injuries that the pet had suffered.
He was charged on 14th November after his arrest in August.
A statement from Collier County Sheriff’s Office said: “Robert William Garon of 7545 Campania Way #207 is charged with cruelty to animals causing cruel death, pain or suffering in connection with the beating death of a 5-month-old Goldendoodle named Buzz Lightyear.
“Sheriff Kevin Rambosk praised Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance detectives for moving swiftly in their investigation to bring about an arrest.
“This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse we’ve seen,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “No animal should ever have to suffer such a death.”
“CCSO began its investigation on Aug. 2 after being contacted by Collier County Domestic Animal Services about a suspected case of abuse involving the puppy.
“The investigation showed Garon and his girlfriend brought the injured puppy to the Emergency Pet Hospital, 6530 Dudley Drive on July 29. The puppy lived with the couple.
“The couple was unable to provide hospital staff with an explanation for the puppy’s injuries.
“The puppy was wet, disoriented, and unable to breathe normally. The dog was unable to stand or pick its head up. A veterinarian examination revealed possible head trauma, bruising to the right ear and mouth, and muscle damage throughout the body.
“A witness later contacted the hospital and told staff they heard Garon beating the puppy on the night of July 29.
“Due to the allegations of abuse, hospital staff contacted DAS. The DAS staff then reported the information to CCSO.
“During the CCSO investigation veterinarian Dr. John Morton performed a necropsy on the puppy at Humane Society Naples.
“The necropsy report included the following: “This dog’s death was caused by non-accidental, blunt force trauma to the head and body with secondary internal hemorrhage.
“I believe he suffered significantly from his injuries before death.”
“Through the investigation detectives determined that Garon had inflicted the injuries.”
