A Palm Harbor man, 22-year-old Dairon Molina, faces animal cruelty charges after his puppy, Rose, was found with a severely broken leg. Molina took his Labrador mix to an emergency vet on August 30, and the vet determined the injury was not accidental, according to FOX 13.
Reports suggest the dog's severe injury may require amputation. Pinellas County Threat Management Unit detectives have uncovered an unsettling story from the time Rose was in Molina's care, implying he used "unjustifiable force" against the animal. Detectives believe the leg break could only have occurred with such force, according to a report by WTSP. Questioned by detectives on September 9, Molina allegedly gave "inconsistent statements" about how the injury occurred, prompting further investigation. Authorities have since removed Rose from Molina’s care.
Following their investigation, detectives have charged Molina with animal cruelty and booked him into Pinellas County Jail. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office titled their release, "Detectives Arrest Palm Harbor Man for Felony Animal Cruelty." With Rose's future uncertain and custody now surrendered, the investigation continues as authorities seek to bring justice for her.
