Teddy, a dog in Palm Bay, is on the mend after what deputies describe as a prolonged case of neglect that left a fabric vest fused to his skin and forced emergency surgery. Two men who adopted him are now facing aggravated animal cruelty charges and were booked into the Brevard County Jail, according to authorities. The case has sparked outrage among local officials while Teddy recovers under veterinary care.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office says Michael Borowski, 73, and Nestor Guanzon adopted Teddy from a local shelter in September. The pair reportedly put a fabric vest on him in October and never took it off. Deputies say the material eventually "grown into his skin," creating a necrotic odor and forcing veterinary teams to surgically cut the embedded fabric away after Teddy was rushed to an emergency clinic.
The sheriff’s office says the suspected abuse came to light when one of the men tried to surrender Teddy and allegedly threatened to hit him with a shovel. Both Borowski and Guanzon were arrested on July 9 and booked on aggravated animal cruelty charges, each with a $10,000 bond, according to investigators.
What the law says
Under Florida law, intentionally causing an animal excessive or repeated suffering can be charged as aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony, as outlined in Florida Senate materials. A conviction for aggravated animal cruelty is treated as a third-degree felony and may bring prison time and fines under state penalty statutes, according to FindLaw.
A pattern on the Space Coast
Deputies and local animal advocates say Teddy’s ordeal appears to fit into a broader pattern of serious neglect cases on the Space Coast. Last year, Brevard deputies arrested two people after discovering a severely malnourished puppy in a bathroom, described by investigators as "bones with skin," according to ClickOrlando.
Emergency care and recovery
Teddy was taken to the Animal Specialty & Emergency Center of Brevard in Melbourne, a 24-hour facility that lists emergency surgical services and a location at 2281 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. The center’s website describes a staff of specialists who handle high-risk, after-hours operations and complex emergency cases. Authorities say Teddy is now in the care of veterinary professionals as he heals from the surgery.
Officials told FOX 35 Orlando that Teddy has been treated and is recovering in safe hands, while Borowski and Guanzon await arraignment in Circuit Court. Residents who suspect animal abuse are urged to contact Brevard County Animal Enforcement. Local outlets report that tips can be submitted through the sheriff’s nonemergency lines or by calling (321) 633-2024, as noted by ClickOrlando.
