FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A 25-year-old man is facing an animal cruelty charge after deputies accused him of shooting a dog in the face Saturday at a Palm Coast home, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies said Jamier Lee was arrested Monday in connection with the shooting that occurred at 21 Seaman Trail East.
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Investigators said they responded to the home after receiving several 911 calls from neighbors saying they heard dogs crying and barking and a gun shot. When deputies arrived, they found a freshly dug hole in Lee’s backyard and noticed blood on his face.
Lee later told detectives he shot the dog once in the head after a family member woke him up screaming the dog had bit her, according to the sheriff’s office.
Rocky, the dog who deputies described as “visibly in pain” and sitting in the blood-covered kennel for over two hours after he was shot, was transported to Flagler Animal Hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
“This is a sick and twisted individual to try and reprimand an animal and leave it to die,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news release. “I’m glad the dog is doing well and expected to make a full recovery. I’d 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 dog’s life. This was a great team effort everyone involved and I hope this guy never gets the privilege of owning a pet again.”
Lee was arrested Monday and faces felony cruelty to animals and tampering with physical evidence charges. Lee was transported to Flagler County jail where he’s held on a $7,500 bond.