Man Assaulted Puppy in Downtown Bradenton, According to Police

Key Information

• Location: Bradenton, FL
• Incident: Animal cruelty involving a 9-week-old puppy
• Suspect: Christian Cuello, 30 years old
• Charges: Torment, deprive, mutilate, or kill an animal
• Puppy’s Condition: Taken to veterinary hospital and returned to owner
• Status: Cuello was on probation for an unrelated case

BRADENTON, FL — A man, aged 30, is currently facing charges of animal cruelty after allegedly beating a 9-week-old puppy in downtown Bradenton.

According to Bradenton Police, officers arrived at the scene following a report from workers at a nearby social club on 13th Street West, who expressed concerns for the puppy’s welfare.

While the exact timing of the incident remains unclear, records from the Manatee County Jail indicate that the suspect, Christian Cuello, was arrested on Thursday in relation to the case.

Witnesses reported seeing Cuello grab the puppy by its neck and strike it in the face before departing from the club, as per police statements.

After reviewing security footage and other videos provided by the club’s employees, authorities were able to locate the puppy’s owner, who had entrusted her pet to Cuello’s care.

Cuello is facing charges for tormenting, depriving, mutilating, or killing an animal, according to the jail records. Notably, police revealed that he was on probation for an unrelated matter at the time of his arrest.

The puppy was subsequently taken to a veterinary hospital for an evaluation but has since been returned to its owner, ensuring its safety.