- Imania Davis, 33, was arrested for abusing a 1-year-old Maltese puppy captured on surveillance footage in Tampa.
- The puppy suffered severe injuries and died during surgery after the attack on May 5.
- Davis faces six counts of aggravated animal cruelty and was released on a $75,000 bond.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — A caught-on-camera animal cruelty case in Florida has left a 1-year-old puppy dead and a Tampa woman facing felony charges. The incident adds to a string of recent animal-related cases drawing public attention, including one where a North Carolina vet tech was charged after rescuing an abandoned dog during a snowstorm.
Imania Davis, 33, of Tampa, was arrested after the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said surveillance footage captured her abusing a 1-year-old male Maltese near a mobile home park on Thursday, April 30.
Puppy Thrown Onto the Road
According to deputies, Davis was seen carrying the small white dog by the scruff of his neck before throwing him more than 20 feet onto an asphalt road.
The dog reportedly limped back toward her with his tail between his legs. Authorities say Davis then kicked him before striking him on the head and throwing him again.
The second throw allegedly sent the puppy into the air and into nearby bushes. Investigators said the dog suffered severe injuries, including a broken front leg.
Surveillance Camera Captured the Abuse
The incident was captured by one of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Eye on Crime cameras. Officials said a sheriff’s office employee happened to be monitoring the live feed as the abuse unfolded and quickly alerted deputies.
When a deputy arrived, the dog was found lying on the asphalt, visibly shaking and unable to move. Officials said the puppy was also bleeding from the nose.
The dog was rushed for emergency veterinary care and later taken to the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center.
Puppy Dies During Surgery
Officials later confirmed that the puppy died while undergoing surgery on Tuesday, May 5, despite efforts from veterinarians to save him.
The dog had been expected to be placed up for adoption once he recovered from his injuries. Instead, authorities said he succumbed to the trauma he suffered in the attack.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the case was especially difficult for investigators, veterinarians, and the community.
“I truly feel that anyone who would harm and inflict the type of pain she did to this little puppy has a special place in hell one day, when that day comes for her,” Chronister said during a news conference.
Charges and Possible Additional Action
Davis was charged with 6 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. She was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on a $75,000 bond.
Investigators said they are now working with the state attorney’s office to determine whether additional charges may be filed following the puppy’s death.
Chronister also said one of the saddest parts of the case was that several people appeared to be nearby when the abuse happened, but no one called authorities.
“This is outside of a mobile home park. It’s busy, people are outside of their homes. There were other people who witnessed this,” Chronister said. “It’s sad that no one took the initiative to call us.”
To view more cases involving animal cruelty investigations and shocking caught-on-camera incidents, check out our video here:
