PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Investigators say the owner of a dog found decapitated in Fort DeSoto Park this week was arrested just days after adopting the animal from Pinellas County Animal Services. 

What You Need To Know

  • A 4-year-old bulldog mix named Dexter was found dead and wrapped in a plastic bag in Fort DeSoto Park on May 14
     
  • Domingo Rodriguez, 66, who is listed as the person who adopted the dog on May 10, faces animal cruelty charges in the animal's death

  • Pinellas County Sheriff's Office investigators say Dexter had been decapitated when they found the remains

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said the dog's body was found wrapped in a plastic bag off of the park's East Beach on Tuesday, May 14.

Investigators say a scan of of the dog's microchip identified him as a 4-year-old bulldog mix named Dexter, who was adopted on May 10 by Domingo Rodriguez, 66. According to the arrest report, Rodriguez's wife told deputies Dexter was alive when she went to bed that night, and when she woke up, both the dog and her husband were gone.

The affidavit said cameras spotted Rodriguez driving his truck in the area of the park on the morning of May 11 with a cooler in the bed. He reportedly admitted to deputies that he was in the park for 20-25 minutes that day, but said that Dexter must have run away the night before.

The report said Rodriguez's story had "many inconsistencies and contradictions." Investigators said they also found bags at his house like the one Dexter's remains were wrapped in. 

Pinellas County Animal Services released a statement saying they were "shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dexter's death," and that they're supporting the sheriff's office investigation. 

"Our adoption screenings include a check for any prior or current enforcement issues, animal cruelty charges or compliance issues with other pets' license and vaccinations," the statement said. "The screening for Dexter found no issues that would indicate danger to his welfare."

Friday evening, dog owners at Fort DeSoto's dog beach say they were shaken by the news.

"That's pretty horrific," said George Bernales, who was at the park with his family and their three dogs.

"These are the best things around," Bernales said while petting their newest four-legged family member, 5-month-old Cleo. "They're really here for us, so to speak, and I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't just take that poor dog to the pound or the Humane Society and just turn it in instead of doing what they did."

Rodriguez is charged with one count of animal cruelty and one count of disposal of a body of a dead animal. He was arrested Wednesday and released that same day on bonds totaling $5,150.

Animal services encourages anyone who sees animal abuse happening in Pinellas County to call their offices at (727) 582-2600 and select option 4.