Man arrested after dead dog found

A 37-year-old man was arrested Monday following an investigation after a dead dog was found in the water tied up in a blanket in Key West.

Alexander Eric Vargas of Stock Island was charged with cruelty to animals and unlawful disposal of a dead animal.

The case began in May when an Animal Control officer, Key West Police and the Sheriff’s Office responded to Little Hamaca Park regarding a dead dog. An adult, gray, male pit bull was found wrapped in a thin blanket tied at the top. The blanket was in shallow water. There were three bricks inside the blanket as well as the dog.

An Animal Control investigator spoke to a person who knew about a dog left in a vehicle. The information given matched the animal found. Further investigation and interviews led to Vargas who stated he was the owner of the dog.

Vargas stated he left the dog in the back of a delivery box truck at Higgs Beach. He returned to find the dog dead. The rear of the box truck has no ventilation.

Vargas admitted to disposing the dog at Little Hamaca Park.

Warrants were issued for Vargas’ arrest and he was booked into jail on Monday.

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