NAPLES, Fla. — A Naples man was arrested after being caught on video kicking and punching his miniature American Bulldog, Guido.
Lee County Sheriff deputies responded to Zebra Drive in North Fort Myers in regards to a complaint of a man abusing his bulldog, named Guido, and deputies were given video footage.
The man identified as Michael Fernandes was under investigation by the Animal Cruelty Task Force and North District Criminal Investigators.
Detectives watched video footage in which Fernandes reportedly yanked Guido's neck aggressively by the leash and punched Guido in the face till the bulldog whimpered. Fernandes reportedly kicked the dog with so much force that the canine spun 180 degrees. Guido managed to escape and ran to his crate.
Domestic Animal Services have Guido in their care and a full medical exemption is pending.
Fernandes was charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty and sent to Lee County Jail.
"It sickens me to watch this lowlife punch and kick a helpless animal. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Animal Cruelty Task Force and North District detectives, Guido is safe and has been re homed."
