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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 The death of a 6-year-old Chihuahua led to the arrest of a man on Tuesday, the Tampa Police Department reported.<\/p>\n
The chihuahua\u2019s name was Rufus.<\/p>\n
On May 4, at 10 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 3100 block of W. Cordelia Street.<\/p>\n
According to TPD, an investigation revealed that 37-year-old Christopher Malone was intoxicated when he \u201cintentionally inflicted a fatal injury\u201d on the four-pound chihuahua who belonged to a family member.<\/p>\n
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Credit: Tampa Police Department<\/p>\n
Further investigation by Hillsborough County Animal Control confirmed that the animal\u2019s death was caused by blunt force trauma.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe depravity required to intentionally harm a defenseless, four-pound animal is deeply disturbing,\u201d\u00a0said Chief Lee Bercaw.\u00a0\u201cThis was a senseless act of violence against a family pet that offered nothing but companionship. Our hearts go out to the family who lost their beloved dog in such a tragic way, and we are committed to ensuring this individual is held fully accountable for his actions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the findings of Hillsborough County Animal Control, the Tampa Police Department arrested Malone and charged him with aggravated cruelty to an animal.<\/p>\n
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