MARATHON, Fla. – A Chihuahua-mix named Batman is now up for adoption at Safe Harbor Animal Rescue in Marathon after it was allegedly beaten and starved by its previous owner.
Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said deputies were called to City Marina on June 16 in reference to a drunken man who was abusing his dog.
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Witnesses told deputies that David Gross, 51, picked his dog up by its leash and was hanging him, bouncing the dog up and down and hitting him.
Witnesses also said Gross threatened to throw the dog in the water and threatened to kill him.
Deputies said Batman, who is about 2 years old, was crying and choking while being abused.
Animal Control officers also responded to the scene and told deputies that Batman was malnourished and that his right leg appeared to have been broken and not reset properly.
Gross, who is a convicted felon in Michigan, was arrested on charges of felony animal cruelty, causing an animal pain and suffering and failing to register as a convicted felon.
Officials at the animal shelter said they officially received custody of Batman on Thursday, and he is now healthy enough to be placed up for adoption.
For more information about how you can adopt Batman, call Safe Harbor Animal Rescue at 305-743-4800.
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