Post by Susanna Toma

Imagine: Dexter has lived in a shelter for who knows how long, waiting for someone to adopt him and give him a forever home. And then, finally, one day, Dexter was being adopted. You can imagine Dexter was so happy and excited—his tail wagging and keep on wagging. And then—after four days—he end up into hell. Justice for Dexter 🙏 🙏 💔 RIP Sweetie This judge calls the killing of the dog Dexter - decapitated,mutilated and dumped by this man a nonviolent offense 😕 🤨 https://lnkd.in/gEfez88d  A Pinellas County judge granted bond Wednesday for the man convicted of killing and dumping a rescue dog days after adopting him, as he appeals his conviction. Domingo Rodriguez adopted a 4-year-old bulldog mix, Dexter, from Pinellas County Animal Services in May 2024. Four days later, deputies found the dog decapitated in a plastic bag floating in the mangroves of East Beach in Fort De Soto. In February 2025, a jury found Rodriguez guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals and unlawful disposal of bodies of dead animals, two misdemeanors. Judge Keith Meyer sentenced him to one year and 60 days in jail, which is the maximum sentence allowed by law. In March, Rodriguez’s attorney filed a notice of appeal, and in May, his attorney filed a motion for bond pending appeal, arguing that Rodriguez has no prior criminal history. The judge heard arguments at a bond hearing last month. On Wednesday, the judge granted $55,000 bond for Rodriguez. If he bonds out, he must wear a GPS monitor, surrender his driver's license and passport, have no contact with any animals or witnesses in his case and appear in court each month during the appeals process.  Rodriguez attorney, Victor L. Zamora Jr., said Wednesday’s decision is refreshing and he said Rodriguez’s family is happy.  Zamora said he hopes the community understands that he has a lot of conditions on his release.

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