The man will be included in the animal abuse registry and is required not to have contact with any animal.
Photo: JOEL SAGET/Getty Images
Florida authorities reported that A man accused of seriously injuring a dog after shooting it in the face has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.
After being shot in the snout while at a home in Palm Coast, about 65 miles southeast of Jacksonville, in April of last year, the dog named Rocky underwent surgery and was later adopted by a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employee.
The man, Jamier Lee-Bright, pleaded guilty to one count of cruelty to animals and tampering with physical evidence, in addition, he was sentenced to 42 months probation upon his release.
Lee-Bright too will be placed on the animal abuse registry and required not to have contact with any animal, complete a mental health assessment and turn in your firearm to the sheriff’s office.
“Finally justice was done to Rocky’s shooter. Lashing out at your pet is never the right response,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement.
Flagler County deputies were called to the home after residents reported hearing gunshots. Upon arrival, Lee-Bright initially denied hearing anything, but officers became suspicious after they noticed bloodstains on her face and saw a freshly dug hole in the corner of her backyard.
Later, Lee-Bright told detectives that she woke up to a family member yelling that Rocky had bitten her, so she he grabbed a firearm, pulled the dog out and shot it once in the head.
He then dragged the dog back inside, locked it in the kennel, and attempted to clean the blood from his yard.
The dog had been in the kennel for more than two hours before authorities arrived, officials said.
Rocky was found in the home in visible pain and taken to an animal hospital. The bullet passed through the muzzle and lower lip, neck and shoulder area, and through the left front leg.the sheriff’s office said.
The dog had to receive staples in the muzzle, a drain in the neck, numerous stitches and a metal pin in the leg.
State Attorney RJ Larizza said in a news release Thursday that it was a miracle that Rocky survived.
The dog has since been adopted by Hayden Ore, a criminal analyst with the sheriff’s office, and his wife. The couple said the dog has shown no signs of aggression and is a wonderful addition to the family, according to the statement.
“Luckily, Rocky now lives happily with Analyst Ore and his wife and no longer has to live in fear,” Sheriff Staly said.
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