TAMPA, Fla. – A late-night incident on W. Cordelia Street has ended with a Tampa man in jail and a family mourning their tiny pet. Tampa Police arrested 37-year-old Christopher Malone on Tuesday after an investigation into the death of a six-year-old Chihuahua named Rufus.
The incident occurred on May 4 around 10:00 pm at a home in the 3100 block. According to police reports, Malone was intoxicated when the four-pound dog walked past him. Authorities say Malone then intentionally struck the animal, causing a fatal injury.
Following the event, Hillsborough County Animal Control conducted an investigation to determine exactly how the dog died. Their findings confirmed that Rufus passed away due to blunt force trauma.
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“The depravity required to intentionally harm a defenseless, four-pound animal is deeply disturbing,” Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement regarding the arrest. “This was a senseless act of violence against a family pet that offered nothing but companionship. Our hearts go out to the family who lost their beloved dog in such a tragic way, and we are committed to ensuring this individual is held fully accountable for his actions.”
Officers caught up with Malone on May 12, roughly a week after the initial response.
He faces a felony charge of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and was booked into the Orient Road Jail.
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