Florida man accused of strangling dog, tossing it in bushes; dog survives

LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA) -- A dog in Florida is alive after he was strangled with a leash and thrown into some bushes by his owner, authorities said.

Police arrested 36-year-old Cesar Cruz Sanchez on Sunday after he was caught on surveillance video pulling a 6-year-old Chihuahua named "Canelo" by the leash as it resisted walking.

A witness told police Cruz Sanchez used the leash to strangle Canelo and tossed the dog into some bushes near a lake.

Police say Sanchez could be seen on video leaving the area, looking back several times, WTSP reports.

Cruz Sanchez later told police he was angry at the dog for lying on baby furniture.

Someone later reported finding the injured dog and said he returned the dog to its owner. Animal Control went to Cruz Sanchez's home, where the animal was surrendered.

Cruz Sanchez was arrested for animal cruelty and booked into Polk County jail. He reportedly told police he wasn't sure if the dog was dead or alive but went back to find the dog because he wanted to "repent" for what he did, according to an arrest report.

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• Lake Wales dog found alive after being strangled by owner, tossed in bushes - WFLA