According to WSVN 7News, a 49-year-old Sweetwater man is accused of grabbing two pet birds from their cage and throwing them at a woman during a domestic dispute, leaving both animals hurt and bruising her in the process. Police say Serguey Hernandez Bauza asked the woman a jealous question before the confrontation turned violent: who did she love more, him or the bird?
Police said the confrontation occurred Oct. 17 at a residence in Sweetwater, after the woman returned from work around 8 p.m. According to WSVN, Hernandez Bauza was intoxicated and asked her to choose between him and one of the birds. When she did not respond, police said, he became agitated and began yelling.
Investigators said Hernandez Bauza took two birds from their cage and threw them at the woman, striking her lower abdomen. Police said he then threw them at her again, hitting her four times across her abdomen and back.
Injuries to Both the Woman and Her Birds
The woman told investigators that she had a bruise on her upper right arm and that both birds were hurt. One was bleeding from its beak, while the other had a broken beak, police said, according to the station's report.
Pet-inclusive shelter resources
For Miami-Dade residents experiencing domestic violence who are seeking shelter, the county says its Healing Together Project promotes pet-inclusive domestic violence shelter programs, with on-site pet-friendly crates, enclosures and pet supplies. Miami-Dade County says the project was launched in 2020.
After the alleged assault, Hernandez Bauza collected his belongings and left the residence on foot, according to WSVN. Detectives did not immediately take him into custody; the case remained open for more than a week.
Arrest Followed Contact With Detectives
On Oct. 26, Hernandez Bauza contacted detectives and agreed to meet them at the Mall of the Americas, where he was taken into custody, WSVN reported. He was charged with animal cruelty with intent to injure or kill and domestic violence battery.
A judge found probable cause and set bond at $6,000, according to the station's report. The report did not say whether Hernandez Bauza had posted bond or entered a plea.
Florida law treats intentional animal cruelty as a serious offense. Under Florida Statutes Chapter 828.12, a person who intentionally commits the covered conduct can face a charge of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony that carries potential penalties including fines of up to $10,000.
