A Pembroke Pines man is facing an aggravated animal cruelty charge after police say he severely beat a 12-week-old puppy that suffered "intentional acts of cruelty and torture."
Daniel Miguel Smith, 21, was arrested Wednesday in the beating of Dexter, a 12-week-old male grey and white pitbull, Pembroke Pines Police said.
According to an arrest report, Smith brought Dexter to LeadER Animal Specialty Hospital in Cooper City on July 19, where doctors discovered the puppy was critically injured with fractures to its face, trauma to the back of its head and bleeding.
Smith said the puppy slipped in the shower but a doctor at the hospital determined that the injuries were a result of "intentional and repeated blunt trauma," the report said. The puppy was placed in 24/7 intensive care, and remains under the care of the hospital but was expected to make a full recovery.
Smith was booked into jail where he remained held on $25,000 bond, records showed. Attorney information wasn't available.
"The Pembroke Pines Police Department investigates all reports of animal cruelty, and would like to remind our community that there is no excuse for animal abuse," the department said in a statement.
Members of the public who wish to contribute toward the puppy’s medical expenses may inquire by text message only to the hospital’s secondary mobile device at 954-348-7849.
