Heartless Florida man accused of strangling puppy to death, burying corpse in backyard: cops
A 55-year-old Florida man allegedly strangled a 15-month-old pit bull/Labrador Retriever mix in a heartless fit of rage — then buried the pooch in his backyard.
Howard Blair was busted on animal cruelty charges last week for the alleged heinous assault after his pup 'Nutmeg' bit one of his other dogs during a feeding in January, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office said in a release Monday.
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Blair then wrapped Nutmeg in a blanket, put her body in a plastic bin and buried it in his backyard, according to the sheriff's office.
Howard Blair, 55, is charged with strangling his 15-month-old pit bull/Labrador puppy to death, police said.
Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility
Deputies were summoned to the Gulf Coast home on Jan. 25 on an animal complaint when they were told that one of Blair's five dogs — ill-fated Nutmeg — had died the night before.
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The department launched an investigation and, on May 27, issued an arrest warrant for Blair.
He was picked up on the warrant on Saturday.
'I commend our deputies for thoroughly investigating this case,' Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. 'If you hurt or kill an innocent animal, we will find you and put you in the Green Roof Inn where you belong.'
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said his department has no patience for animal abuse o his turf in Florida.
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The Green Roof Inn is the tongue-in-cheek nickname for the Flagler County Jail.
Blair was transported to the facility but was later released on a $2,500 bond, the sheriff said.
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