Photo: CBS 12
A troubling story of animal cruelty on the Treasure Coast. Deputies arrest a man after discovering two dogs dead, hanging by chains in the suspect's backyard.
"This is somebody who wanted to get rid of these dogs, didn't know how to do it and ultimately took matters into his own hands, probably because it was a money-type of situation."
St. Lucie County Sheriff Richard Del Toro tells CBS 12 News that 42-year old Salomon Cruz-Perez had previously called Animal Control to have the male and female pitbull-type mixes put to sleep, claiming they were trying to kill him.
They were found hanging by their necks from an engine-hoist and bound by a mix of chains, ropes and coaxial cable.
"I haven't seen something like this in 26 years."
He says the man told deputies the dogs did it to themselves, which he isn't buying.