WILTON MANORS, Fla. – A man from Broward County could be facing serious charges after police said three French bulldogs were found dead outside of a hot car over the weekend.
Wilton Manors police said they responded to a call after a patron found Nicolay Sanint Rodriguez, 29, of Coconut Creek, standing outside his vehicle next to a shoebox near the 2200 block of Wilton Drive just after 4 p.m. Sunday.
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Police said Rodriguez’s 2011 gray Mercedes Sedan was found improperly parked in a no-parking area.
Police said after confronting Rodriguez, they found three young French bulldogs dead in a shoebox that was placed on a nearby sidewalk a couple of feet away from him.
After searching Rodriguez’s vehicle, police said they discovered a small plastic baggie containing ketamine pills, along with methamphetamine substances and psilocybin mushrooms.
Authorities said the puppies were transported to The Pearl Animal Hospital in Oakland Park, where veterinary staff noted signs of trauma and blood on their tongues.
An arrest report states that further investigation into the death of all three dogs will be conducted following a necropsy.
Investigators said evidence suggests Rodriguez knowingly subjected the dogs to extremely hot weather conditions, leaving them unattended in a hot car without air conditioning for an extended period.
Despite having a cellphone and access to nearby veterinary assistance, Rodriguez failed to seek help for the animals, “leading to their cruel and unnecessary deaths,” an arresting officer wrote in the report.
Local 10 News has learned Rodriguez was taken to the hospital for an undisclosed reason and his booking photo was not immediately available Wednesday. He will then be transported to jail following the incident.
Rodriguez’s attest report states that he is facing three illegal drug possession charges.
He could also be facing additional charges following the death of the three dogs.