Florida man charged with animal cruelty for dog deaths

A Florida man has been charged with animal cruelty after two dead dogs were found in his backyard. The incident happened on March 16 at the home of 42-year-old Salomon Cruz-Perez in St. Lucie County. Deputies responded to a domestic dispute at the residence but found no one answering the door. While investigating, deputies heard someone in the backyard. They later discovered Cruz-Perez with the two dead dogs hanging from a tree. According to Sheriff Richard Del Toro, the dogs were found suspended by their necks using ropes and chains. Cruz-Perez reportedly admitted to owning the dogs. He claimed they were hanging because they had tied themselves up. However, detectives later found evidence that the dogs were deliberately bound with cable, paracord, and other materials. The investigation revealed that Cruz-Perez had tried to have the dogs euthanized weeks earlier. After searching the scene, detectives contacted animal control to collect the deceased animals. Cruz-Perez was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty. He made his initial court appearance on March 17 and is currently being held on a $10,000 bond. He does not have a lawyer at this time. The investigation is still ongoing.