KISSIMMEE, Fla.— A Florida man was arrested after a home security video caught him slamming a dog onto the ground at an apartment complex.
On the morning of Dec. 26, Osceola County deputies responded to the Jameson Loop Apartments in Kissimmee where management at the complex provided officials with the video of the animal abuse.
The disturbing video captured 28-year-old Marco Zuluaga, of Coral Springs, walking out of the apartment with his dog, Lily, dressed in a red Christmas outfit.
Out of view of the camera, Zuluaga slammed her into a railing, but turned around, entering back into view of the camera, and throwing her onto the concrete ground. Due to the force of throwing the dog, deputies said Zuluaga had injured his shoulder.
“It’s a miracle he didn’t kill this dog,” Sheriff Marcos Lopez said.
According to officials, Zuluaga had contemplated throwing Lily from the third floor.
Zuluaga, who was visiting a family member who lives at the complex, told deputies he threw the dog because she pooped and peed on the rug.
Lily was taken to the vet by Animal Control where she was found to have a dilated pupil in her left eye and deep tissue bruising on her underbelly, indicating signs of trauma. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Zuluaga was arrested for animal cruelty and was booked into Osceola County Jail.
“If we could have charged him with anything else,” Sheriff Lopez said. “Trust me, we would have.”
Zuluaga was ordered not to have any pets in his possession, meaning Lily is never going back to “that monster,” the Sheriff added.
Lily is expected to be adopted by the individual who has taken her into their care.
Via WFLA