A 24-year-old Florida man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after a disturbing video surfaced showing him brutally abusing his girlfriend’s dog.
The graphic footage shows Donald Arthur Stickens III hanging the 9-year-old Golden Retriever mix from a leash, punching it repeatedly in the head and body. Witnesses confirmed that this was not an isolated incident.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office, along with their Animal Services Unit and the ASPCA, launched an investigation. Experts who reviewed the video detailed the extent of the abuse, which included strangulation, blunt force trauma to the head, and severe emotional distress.
WARNING: This footage is graphic.
READ: Poinciana Man Arrested For Horrific Animal Cruelty, Illegal Dumping In Polk County
The dog was removed from the home and received care at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. It has since been returned to Stickens’ girlfriend, who says she has ended her relationship with him.
Stickens is currently in jail with a $55,000 bond. In addition to animal cruelty, he faces drug charges and evidence tampering charges.
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