A routine vet visit in Tamarac erupted into panic after a Pembroke Pines man allegedly grabbed his dog from an animal hospital following a terminal cancer diagnosis, threatened staff, and walked out without paying the bill, according to deputies. Workers later described a chaotic scene, with one employee locking herself in an exam room and another bolting out a back door. The dog, named Precious, belonged to the man and had been diagnosed by veterinarians with terminal cancer.
According to Tamarac Talk, which cited Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest records, deputies arrested 56-year-old Jason Anthony Pacheco on July 13. He faces first-degree felony charges that include burglary with assault or battery, three counts of assault, and petit theft. The report states he was transported to the Broward County main jail after his arrest.
Staff Says Diagnosis Led To Confrontation
Clinic employees told investigators they had first reached out to the hospital seeking donations because they could not afford Precious’s treatment and had scheduled an appointment for later that afternoon. After bloodwork and diagnostic tests, veterinarians informed Pacheco that the dog had terminal cancer and recommended euthanasia. Staff said he was told he would still be responsible for a $505 bill.
Deputies say that is when Pacheco became irate. According to staff, he took off his shirt, went into an employee-only area, and began shouting threats, including, “The dog is dead! I’ll kill everyone here!” One worker reported locking herself in an exam room after hearing a loud bang, while another employee ran out a back door, according to Tamarac Talk.
Police Response And Next Steps
A law-enforcement bulletin went out after the incident, and Pembroke Pines officers later located Pacheco at his home and arrested him, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Investigators allege he removed Precious from a kennel in a restricted area without authorization and left the business before paying for the veterinary services.
Legal Note
Pacheco faces felony charges that will be handled by prosecutors. These remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact local law enforcement, according to the reports.
