Pembroke Pines, FL - A South Florida teacher appeared in court last week on charges of animal abuse after allegedly kicking, punching and body slamming a dog.
Broward County teacher Daniel Lamont Gray Jr. was arrested on animal abuse charges and faced a judge last week after allegedly injuring an eight-month-old American Pitt Bull Terrier named Jack.
Dr. Elizabeth Rosainz, a veterinarian at LeadER Animal Hospital, says officers brought the body of the puppy to her office.
Rosainz tells Local 10 News "I’ve seen some abuse cases but this is the worst I’ve ever seen. There was so much blood from the oral cavity and the nasal cavity. He had a puncture wound on the top of the head, and when we took x-rays we found rib fractures and a punctured lung.”
Jack's body was found by witnesses outside an apartment building at The Avant in Pembroke Pines.
Witnesses told police Gray went crazy on the dog, punching him, kicking him, and swinging him by his legs, body slamming him to the ground.
Witnesses say they heard Gray yelling “you see how strong I am? This is why I keep you locked up,” before dragging the dog away and leaving him nearby.
Gray appeared in court last week, where attorneys asked for his bond to be reduced in order for him to attend the first day of school.
The judge told Gray he was not to go back to work until further notice.
The Broward County’s school system says Gray will be reassigned to a non-school site as the investigation continues.