A St. Petersburg man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after police say he violently mistreated two dogs and had to be subdued with a Taser during his arrest. The 37-year-old, identified in charging documents as Sean Etty, is accused of dragging the animals on leashes, choking one dog and striking the other. He is charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty and one count of resisting an officer without violence.
Police Say Dogs Were Dragged, Punched, Choked
According to affidavits cited by WTSP, Etty is accused of punching one dog several times, choking another and forcing his fist into a dog’s mouth. Witnesses reportedly saw the dogs being dragged on leashes, and investigators say the conduct toward each animal was serious enough to file two separate felony counts. Officers deployed a Taser before taking him into custody, according to the same report.
Suspect Calls It ‘Playing Rough’
The affidavits quoted by WTSP say Etty told investigators the behavior was “part of playing rough.” In addition to the two felony animal cruelty counts, he was charged with resisting an officer without violence. Photographs released in connection with the case were credited to the St. Petersburg Police Department in that coverage.
How Florida Law Treats Animal Cruelty
According to the Florida Senate, state law allows conduct that causes excessive or repeated pain to an animal to be prosecuted as aggravated animal cruelty, which can be charged as a felony. Under Florida’s penalty rules, a third-degree felony can carry up to five years in prison along with fines set by statute, and courts may bar those convicted from owning or possessing animals. Penalty ranges are detailed in Florida Senate materials on state sentencing guidelines.
String Of Local Animal Cruelty Cases
Pinellas County authorities have been confronting a steady stream of serious animal cruelty allegations this year. In one March case, deputies arrested a man after a 7-year-old dog was found dead outside a home, according to MySuncoast. Patch has also reported on other recent St. Petersburg cruelty arrests, highlighting a broader enforcement pattern in the county. Local advocates and prosecutors say that when cases involve severe or repeated harm, they are often pursued as felonies.
Police Seek Tips From Public
St. Petersburg police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the department through its non-emergency line or online tip form. Additional contact details are available on the St. Petersburg Police Department website.
