SARASOTA FL (WWSB) – Sarasota Police Officers responded to an incident of a person kicking a puppy.
Witnesses told Officers they saw Toddrick Leverett, 36, arrive at 1156 32nd Street and begin kicking a 6-month-old puppy in the front yard around 7:30 a.m.
The puppy is a black and white female pit bull, weighing about 25 pounds.
Witnesses also said they saw Leverett grab the back of the puppy’s neck and drag it through the dirt. The puppy was chained to a tree but was desperately trying to get away.
According to the affidavit, a witness said they saw Leverett “…intentionally and willfully kicking the dog with anger and an excessive amount of force.”
Officers approached the frightened puppy and the puppy was friendly toward them. The puppy had a broken left rear leg, according to Officers.
The puppy was taken into custody by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services and is at the emergency vet clinic, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services.
Leverett said the dog tried to attack him and he was defending himself, said Officers. While talking with Leverett, Officers noticed slurred speech and could smell alcohol on his breath.
Officers saw that Leverett had small bleeding on his fingers and right elbow but none of the marks were consistent with dog bites.
Leverett was charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
