Surveillance cameras in a Miami condo captured a disturbing scene that now has a 32-year-old man facing an animal cruelty charge and a separate animal-services investigation.
According to an arrest report, the incident unfolded shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Friday inside the condominium at 700 NE 26th Terrace. Police say the CCTV video shows 32-year-old Nicholas Jabbour yanking his dog by the leash so hard that all four of the animal’s legs lift off the floor, raising the dog to about waist height before he slams it to the elevator floor. Officers say he does it twice, then walks out of the elevator.
A building security guard told officers the outburst came right after the dog urinated in the elevator and added that there had been previous issues with the dog urinating in hallways and the elevator. Miami-Dade Animal Services was notified, and Jabbour was arrested on a charge of animal cruelty with intent to injure or kill, according to Local10.
State Law And Penalties
Under Florida law, “animal cruelty” covers a range of mistreatment and is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Aggravated animal cruelty, which involves an intentional act that causes an animal’s cruel death or excessive suffering, is a third-degree felony.
That felony charge can bring fines of up to $10,000, mandatory counseling or anger-management treatment, and potential jail time. Courts may also prohibit a convicted person from owning animals in the future. Full statutory details are outlined by the Florida Legislature.
What Happens Next For The Dog
Police told reporters that Miami-Dade Animal Services had been notified, but it was still unclear whether the dog had been taken into custody or remained with its owner, according to Local10.
The county’s animal agency outlines its process on the Miami-Dade Animal Services website. Animal-welfare complaints can be filed online or through 311 and can trigger investigations and possible seizures if officers determine an animal is at risk. In more serious cases, the county can seek court orders. Miami-Dade also maintains a public Animal Abuser Registry that lists individuals convicted of animal-cruelty offenses.
