Orlando police say a late-night call on the 6700 block of Lake Carlisle Boulevard ended with a grim discovery on Wednesday, when officers found a dog shot to death inside its crate. Investigators believe the shooting happened about two hours after the dog bit a child, who had already been taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Suspect and charges
Officers identified the suspect as 55-year-old Miguel Angel Bonilla and arrested him in connection with the shooting. Bonilla faces several charges, including aggravated animal cruelty, shooting at, within, or into a building, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and criminal mischief, according to WFTV.
What the law says
Under state law, aggravated animal cruelty, defined as conduct that causes an animal’s cruel death or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering, is a third-degree felony under Florida Statutes § 828.12. The separate charge of shooting at, within or into a building is a second-degree felony under Florida Statutes § 790.19, a serious offense that prosecutors can pursue as the case moves forward.
Reporting and resources
Animal control agencies typically urge anyone involved in a bite incident to seek medical care and report the bite to local authorities. In Orange County, reports can be filed with Orange County Animal Services. Police have not released further details about the child’s condition or the specific circumstances surrounding the shooting, WFTV reports.
Investigation ongoing
Bonilla remains in custody while detectives continue to investigate and prosecutors review the case. Officials are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Orlando Police Department as the investigation continues.
