Deputies say on Saturday afternoon, a call from concerned citizens about gunshots being heard led deputies to discover a man had shot his dog and the pup was suffering in the home.
Flagler County Sheriff Detectives were called to the scene and it was discovered that 25-year-old Jamier Lee shot a dog in the snout and left it in a kennel in a bedroom.
The Sheriffโs 9-1-1 Dispatch Center received several calls from neighbors of the Seminole Woods residence claiming they heard dogs barking and crying and a gunshot. Flagler County Sheriffโs Office (FCSO) Deputies arrived at the home and made contact with Lee who denied hearing anything.
Shortly after the initial contact with Lee, his behavior and mannerisms became concerning and deputies witnessed him sweating excessively with what appeared to be freshly smeared blood on his face. They also observed a freshly dug hole in the corner of the backyard and Lee hosing off his back lanai at one point.
Due to the suspicious circumstances, deputies called in detectives to aid in the investigation.
Detectives met with Lee who advised he was woken up earlier to a family member screaming at their dog who had bitten her. Lee claimed he jumped out of bed, retrieved a firearm, picked up the dog, walked outside, and shot the dog once in the head.
He then dragged the dog back inside, locked it in the kennel, and attempted to clean the bloody patio to prevent anyone from knowing what happened.
Immediately following the confession, detectives entered the residence, found the dog who was visibly in pain, and transported the dog to Flagler Animal Hospital. During the investigation, it was also discovered the injured dog was inside the kennel for over two hours before law enforcement was notified.
โThis is a sick and twisted individual to try and reprimand an animal and leave it to die,โ Sheriff Rick Staly said. โIโm glad the dog is doing well and expected to make a full recovery. Iโd like to thank the detectives who were able to gather enough evidence to arrest this animal abuser along with Animal Control for helping get this dog to safety and taking care of his medical needs. Also to the neighbors who contacted us to report this incident, you may have very well saved this dogโs life. This was a great team effort everyone involved and I hope this guy never gets the privilege of owning a pet again.โ
On Monday afternoon, a warrant for Leeโs arrest was signed for Felony Cruelty to Animals and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Lee was arrested without incident and transported to the county jail on a $7,500 bond.
The dog, Rocky, is doing well and expected to make a full recovery.
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