JACKSONVILLE Fla.-- Local pitbull mix, Flo, is getting some of her first sniffs of fresh air; she's spent much of her recovery cooped up in a cage, but she's also getting her first taste of justice.
Police have arrested Richard Dennis Poehler in connection to her abuse. He's being charged with three felony counts, including cruely to animals, intentionally causing a cruel death and unecessary suffering.
"He beat her and left her for dead," said Denise Deisler, with the Jacksonville Humane Society.
The humane society tells Action News that a woman claiming to be Flo's owner tipped off investigators Tuesday and led them to Flo's attacker.
"I understand that it was the person claiming to be the owner was living with at the time left Flo in his care and when she returned a couple days later Flo no longer was there," said Deisler.
That same owner visited Flo on Wednesday morning. She tells Action News she wants her dog back desperately, but the Humane Society says that visit was supervised and purely for investigation purposes. Flo will stay in their custody until the case is closed.
"It gives us a great sense of relief to know that somebody capable of such a vicious act is going to be held accountable for that and hopefully severely sentenced and not on the street to hurt Flo or any other defenseless being in the future," said Deisler.
No word as to whether Flo will be returned to her owner or will be put up for adoption.
If you'd like to make a donation toward the care of animals like Flo, visit the Jacksonville Humane Society donation website. (www.jaxhumane.org/donate)
