Dog still breathing after being stabbed by owner

A horrific incident of animal cruelty occurred last night, ending with a St Bernard mix dog being transported to Atlantic Veterinarian Hospital for emergency surgery — and its owner being transported to the St Johns County Detention Facility; where he remains in custody.

Historic City News has learned that at about 10:00 a.m. this morning, a witness to the crime contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report last night’s incident.

“The witness told us that the suspect stabbed the dog several times — then he cut its throat,” Sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Kelshaw told local reporters. “The man was seen dragging the howling dog to a nearby plot of land.”

Deputies, accompanied by St Johns County Animal Control officers, responded to the residence of 28-year old Randal B Hart at 8450 CR-13 North, at 10:20 a.m. this morning. Hart was located, questioned and secured at the scene.

It took officers about 45 minutes to locate the dog in a grassy area near the home. The dog was in obvious distress, but still alive. The Animal Control Officer transported the dog to the veterinarian.

When the deputy asked Hart why he stabbed the dog, Hart responded that the dog bit a kitten and needed to be “put down”. Following up on Hart’s statement, the deputy was able to locate the kitten — it was playing with another dog on the property. No injuries to the kitten were observed.

Hart will have his first appearance in the morning; at which time he will be arraigned on the charges against him and bail will be established.