A St. Pete man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after deputies say his attack led to his 7-year-old dog’s death.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said this happened just before 3 p.m. Saturday when deputies responded to the area of 78th Street North regarding a verbal domestic disturbance.
When they arrived, they found a 7-year-old Chihuahua mix named Sheba dead outside the home.
Investigators say 35-year-old Christopher Howard had a designated bedroom in the house Sheba was not allowed in.
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When the dog entered the room, Howard reportedly kicked her across the room before picking her up by the neck, throwing her towards the front doorway and hitting her with a chair across the neck and back.
PCSO says Howard then picked up Sheba by the neck again and dropped her on the ground outside.
Deputies arrested Howard and charged him with one count of felony cruelty to animals. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation into this case is still active.