A 23-year-old Tampa man is facing a felony charge after deputies say multiple witnesses reported seeing him repeatedly kick and hit his dog with a leash late last night. Hillsborough County deputies arrived just before 10 p.m. and found the animal, identified by authorities as Moon, with visible injuries and walking with a limp. Moon was taken into custody by Hillsborough County Animal Services, and the man was booked on an aggravated animal-cruelty charge.
A man is facing a felony charge after witnesses reported seeing him abuse his dog.
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) July 20, 2026
Just before 10 p.m. on July 19, #teamHCSO responded to a call about animal abuse. Witnesses told deputies they saw Romar Carter, 23, repeatedly kicking and striking his dog with a leash. Throughout… pic.twitter.com/Orbas08eQs
What deputies say
In a post on X, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said witnesses told deputies that 23-year-old Romar Carter was "repeatedly kicking and striking" the dog with a leash and that Moon could be heard yelping. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called out for an animal abuse report just before 10 p.m. on July 19 and found the dog with visible injuries.
"We will protect the most vulnerable and hold those who abuse animals accountable," Sheriff Chad Chronister wrote in the post. Investigators say Moon was found in a backyard kennel and was walking with a limp. Hillsborough County Animal Services now has custody of the dog while the investigation continues, according to HCSO.
Legal context
Aggravated animal cruelty is a third-degree felony under Florida law, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The statute also includes mandatory minimum fines and counseling in some cases. The Florida Statutes lay out the penalties and allow prosecutors to file separate counts for multiple acts.
A string of recent cases
The sheriff's office has been publicizing several high-profile animal-cruelty investigations in recent months, including cases that ended in deaths or felony charges. Local outlets have chronicled those incidents; see coverage from the Tampa Bay Times and FOX 13 for recent examples.
What happens next
Carter is charged with aggravated animal cruelty. As of Monday, deputies had not released booking details or a court date. The State Attorney's Office typically reviews the investigative file before making formal charging decisions, and if Carter is convicted he could face prison time, fines, and court-ordered limits on owning animals in the future.
