An investigation is underway after a disturbing video surfaced Tuesday showing a man who authorities say mistreated his dog after it appeared to defecate on the balcony of a downtown Miami condominium.
Residents told Local 10 News this is not the first time the owner has been involved in a dog abuse incident.
The footage, captured by a nearby resident, prompted a response from both Miami police and Miami-Dade Animal Services (M-DAS).
The video posted by Only in Dade shows a man visibly upset after his dog appeared to defecate on the balcony of his apartment near Miami Plaza, just northeast of Miami Place.
In the footage, the man appears to throw the feces from the balcony before repeatedly pushing the dog’s head into the concrete.
At one point, he appears to be holding a sharp object, adding to the intimidation.
Residents of the building shared their shock and concern with Local 10’s Andrew Perez.
“It was disturbing, but unfortunately I wasn’t surprised,” said one woman who asked to remain anonymous. “Living in this area, all the dog owners know each other. I’ve seen this owner misbehaving with his dog before.”
“It was heartbreaking to see,” she added. “I’ve even seen her son kick the dog, which makes me think this might be a common occurrence at home. In general, it’s a terrible thing to have a dog.”
M-DAS and Miami police officers arrived at the building to address concerns raised by neighbors. They also performed a wellness check on the dog at their clinic, authorities said.
According to a statement from Miami police, the dog was not injured in the incident, but the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities encouraged anyone with additional information about the incident to contact Miami police at 305-603-6640 or call 911.
Read M-DAS’s full statement on the incident below:
“Miami-Dade County Animal Services is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals and holding perpetrators of animal abuse accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We thank the community for bringing this video to our attention. Animal Services is opening an investigation, sending an Animal Services investigator to investigate the incident. We ask that the person who filmed the event call 311 to provide and authenticate the video evidence.
It is critical that if you see animal cruelty occurring, you call 911 immediately. If you can safely obtain evidence, such as video, do so and be ready to provide it to Police (911) and/or Animal Services (311). Authorities will need to see the animal as soon as possible to accurately assess and document the nature of the animal’s physical condition.
As a community, we must always remain vigilant, immediately report animal cruelty, be the voice of the animals in our community, and be ready to defend them in a court of law to hold abusers accountable. Together, we can stop animal abuse.”
