Bradenton Man Arrested After Video Shows Repeated Abuse of 9-Week-Old Puppy
The Bradenton Police Department arrested Christian Cuello, 30, on an animal cruelty charge after surveillance footage and witness reports showed a 9-week-old puppy being struck multiple times in downtown Bradenton.
According to police, employees at Kava Social Club alerted a patrolling officer to concerns about the puppy’s welfare after customers reported seeing a man grab the animal by the neck and hit it in the face before leaving the business. Staff reviewed security cameras and provided multiple videos documenting the abuse. The officer recognized the puppy and located its owner, who stated the dog had been left in Cuello’s care.
Police transported the puppy to a veterinary hospital for examination. The animal was medically evaluated, found to be stable, and returned to its owner. Cuello, who was on probation in an unrelated case, was taken into custody and booked into jail.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact Officer Anthony Cerniglia at Anthony.Cerniglia@bradentonpd.com. The case remains under investigation.
