An Osceola County man has been charged with animal abuse after a disturbing video captured him slamming a small dog against the railing and ground at an apartment complex on the morning of Thursday. According to WESH, Marco Zuluaga was visiting family in Kissimmee from Coral Springs for the holidays.
Authorities responded to a distressing complaint of animal cruelty at the Jamison Loop Apartments, where surveillance footage was obtained showing Zuluaga's shocking actions. In a horrifying display captured on video, Zuluaga is seen carrying an Australian Shepherd named Lilly, then slamming her against a railing and dropping her onto a concrete floor. FOX 35 News reports the dog suffered a dilated pupil and deep-tissue bruising from the assault. Osceola County Sheriff Marco Lopez described the situation as disgusting, disturbing, and unacceptable.
Following the incident, Lilly was taken into care by animal control and brought to a veterinarian. The Sheriff confirmed that despite the traumatic event, Lilly is expected to recover fully. "She had a dilated pupil in her left eye, which could indicate she had some type of trauma, and she also had deep tissue bruising in her underbelly," Sheriff Lopez disclosed in a statement detailed by WESH.
Zuluaga, who admitted to authorities that his assault on the dog was a response to it soiling a rug, has been released on bond but with a strict condition of not possessing any pets. "Lilly is safe from harm and will never return to that monster," Sheriff Lopez stated as per WESH, affirming the dog's safety. He is currently facing a $5,000 bail for his charges.
