Miami police investigate video of man abusing dog on high-rise balcony

MIAMI – An investigation is underway after a disturbing video emerged Tuesday showing a man who authorities say abused his dog after it apparently went to the bathroom on the balcony of a downtown Miami high-rise.

Residents told Local 10 News that this is not the first time the owner has been involved in an incident of dog cruelty.

The footage, captured by a local resident, prompted a response from both Miami Police and Miami-Dade Animal Services.

The video posted by Only in Dade shows a visibly distraught man after his dog apparently defecated on the balcony of his apartment near Miami Plaza, just northeast of Miami Place.

The footage shows the man throwing the feces off the balcony and then repeatedly pushing the dog’s head onto the concrete.

At one point he appears to be holding a sharp object in his hand, which adds to the intimidation.

Residents of the building shared their shock and concern with Local 10’s Andrew Perez.

“It was disturbing, but unfortunately I was not surprised,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous. “Since I live in this area, all the dog owners know each other. I have seen this owner misbehave with his dog before.”

“It was heartbreaking to watch,” she added. “I even witnessed his son kick the dog, which makes me think this sort of thing happens a lot in our house. This is just an overall terrible dog owner.”

Officers from M-DAS and the Miami Police Department came to the building to address neighbors’ concerns and also conducted a health check on the dog at their clinic, authorities said.

According to a statement from Miami police, the dog was not injured in the incident, but the investigation is ongoing.

Authorities urged anyone with further information about the incident to contact Miami police at 305-603-6640 or 911.

Read M-DAS’s full statement on the incident below.

“Miami-Dade County Animal Services is committed to the safety and welfare of all animals and holds animal abusers accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We are grateful to the community for bringing this video to our attention. Animal Services is launching an investigation and is sending an Animal Services investigator to look into the incident. We are asking the person who filmed the incident to call 311 to provide and authenticate the video evidence.”

If you witness animal cruelty, it is important that you call 911 immediately. If you can safely capture evidence such as video, do so and have it ready to give to the police (911) and/or animal control (311). Authorities need to see the animal as soon as possible to accurately assess and document the animal’s physical condition.

As a community, we must always remain vigilant, report animal cruelty immediately, be the voice for the animals in our community, and be prepared to represent them in court to hold perpetrators accountable. Together, we can stop animal cruelty.”