A Florida man has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after two deceased dogs were found hanged in his backyard.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with St. Lucie County Animal Safety, began an investigation on the evening of March 16, 2025, at a residence located at 2111 Dade Road. Deputies initially responded to the location for a civil matter at approximately 5:29 PM.
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Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the resident, 42-year-old Salomon Cruz-Perez. During their interaction, they discovered two deceased dogs, a male and a female, in the backyard. The dogs were found suspended by their necks from a tree, restrained with various ropes and chains.
Detectives obtained a search warrant, which was executed in the early morning hours of March 17th. Crime Scene Investigators assisted throughout the night. Authorities determined that the dogs were bound around their necks with coaxial cable, paracord, tie-down straps, and chains.
St. Lucie County Animal Control collected the deceased dogs and transported them to Orlando for a necropsy to determine the cause, mode, and manner of death.
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Salomon Cruz-Perez has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty resulting in death. He is currently held at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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