TITUSVILLE, Fla. – A Brevard County man was arrested Sunday on charges of aggravated animal cruelty after police said he beat a puppy to death.
Smokey, an 8-month-old toy fox terrier-Chihuahua mix, was found lying in his owner's front yard on Aug. 29, still strapped to his leash.
Investigators believe Timothy Ogden, 38, is responsible, saying the Titusville man stomped and kicked Smokey up to 10 times.
"He sustained injuries to the point where he was bleeding on his brain. Nobody should have to suffer that," said Donna Mullican, who purchased the dog in November as a gift to her mother, who was undergoing chemotherapy.
"It brought her happiness and joy and somebody just took it away," she said.
According to arrest documents, neighbors saw Ogden's car speed out of the neighborhood soon after the attack, which apparently stemmed from an ongoing feud with the boyfriend of Smokey's owner.
"It doesn't make any sense. It doesn't serve any purpose to take it out on an animal," said Mullican.
The 8-pound puppy was rushed to Garden Street Animal Hospital, where a vet said he was injured so badly that it looked like he was hit by a car.
After three days of struggling to stay alive, Smokey died Sept. 3.
Ogden has since posted $5,000 bond at the Brevard County Jail. Local 6 tried to reach Ogden for his side of the story but has not heard back from him.