A case of animal cruelty was reported in Bradenton this week after customers at Kava Social Club witnessed a man abusing a 9-week-old puppy. The suspect, Christian Cuello, 30, was arrested and faces a charge of animal cruelty. He was on probation for an unrelated case.
According to WFLA, employees and patrons of the downtown Bradenton bar alerted a patrolling police officer after seeing the abuse. The officer reviewed security footage, recognized the dog, and contacted its owner, who said she had left the puppy in Cuello’s care.
In a statement to FOX 13, the Bradenton Police Department said Cuello was recorded on camera grabbing the puppy’s neck and hitting it in the face. The puppy was taken to a veterinary hospital and determined to be in good health.
As per the Bradenton Police Department, the dog has been returned to its owner. Witnesses to the incident are asked to contact Officer Cerniglia at [email protected].
The investigation is ongoing, and Bradenton police are continuing to gather information.
