MIDDLEBURG, Fla. — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying several juveniles accused of abusing a Chihuahua-mix dog last month, an incident investigators say ultimately led to the its death.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident happened May 17 at the Main Street Boat Ramp in Middleburg.
Detective Gary Winterstein said five to six juveniles were involved.
“Two or three were in the water throwing [the dog] back and forth, holding it underwater and abusing it physically,” Winterstein said in a video released by the agency.
According to investigators, other children remained on shore and cheered on the abuse.
Witnesses intervened and took the dog away from the children, who then ran from the area, Winterstein said.
The dog later died.
The sheriff’s office has not released additional information about the dog’s injuries or the circumstances surrounding its death.
Investigators are asking parents to speak with their children if they were in the area that day or may have information about the incident.
“I’m not done looking at cameras, footage,” Winterstein said. “I’m just hoping someone can come see this and come forward with some information.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Gary Winterstein at 904-264-6512 or by email at GaryW@claysheriff.com. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the SaferWatch app or First Coast Crime Stoppers at 888-845-TIPS.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
