Cops: Dog Sitter Delivered Killer Operation
Oakland Park man busted after he gave crude surgery to dog
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NEW YORK - MAY 23: A woman takes several dogs for a walk in Washington Square Park May 23, 2005 in New York City. A renovation is planned for the Greenwich Village park which includes installing a perimeter fence, relocating the signature fountain by approximately 20 feet to line up with the Washington Square Arch, moving both dog runs as well as restructuring pathways. Community reaction has been mixed to the changes, but the $16 million dollar renovation is slated to begin this summer. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
An Oakland Park dog sitter has been charged with felony animal abuse after he killed a 2-year-old dog during a sick series of improvised surgeries.
William Ralph Jones Jr., 55, is behind bars after Zoe, a female Hound/Retriever mix, was found lifeless with a crudely sewn wound on her chest, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Jones had been keeping Zoe for her owner, Danielle Vecchio, who was not allowed to keep Zoe at her home. Vecchio received Zoe's body from Jones on Jan. 13, wrapped in a white sheet.
The details of Zoe's death are disturbing. According to police, Zoe escaped from Jones' yard on Jan. 12 through a hole in a fence, tearing a 4-inch gash in her chest in the process.
When he discovered the wound, Jones used glue to seal it. The next day, when Zoe reopened the wound, Jones set about performing his ill-conceived surgery.
Giving her a muscle relaxant and placing her on a coffee table, with a needle and dental floss, Jones sewed the wound, according to police. Zoe yelped several times and a cloth with cloroform was placed over her nose.
After a little while, Zoe stopped breathing.
After a police investigation, Jones was arrested. He's facing up to 20 years in prison.
