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A trial date has been set for the Florida man accused of beating his five-month-old Goldendoodle, ‘Buzz Lightyear,’ to death.
Robert ‘Bobby William Garon, 23, will appear before a jury on July 17 as he faces charges related to ‘one of the worst cases of animal abuse’ a local law enforcement agency said have ever seen.
In July, Garon took the pup to the Collier County Emergency Pet Hospital disoriented and unable to walk or raise his head.
Garon, who was unable to provide an explanation for the dog’s injuries when he took Lightyear to the emergency vet, claims he is innocent and has faced major backlash, including the loss of his job, due to the scandal.
Robert William Garon, 23, has pleaded not guilty to cruelty to animals causing cruel death, pain or suffering.
Buzz Lightyear, Goldendoodle, 5 months old, couldn’t breathe, walk or lift his head
Garon, who pleaded not guilty on November 14, was arrested in August and is charged with cruelty to animals causing cruel death, pain or suffering.
The Collier County Humane Society performed a necropsy on the animal and showed severe damage to Lightyear’s body before her death.
Garon and his girlfriend took Lightyear to the Florida County Emergency Pet Hospital on July 29 for serious injuries stemming from an undisclosed incident.
In addition to the pup being disoriented and unable to walk upon arrival at the hospital, Lightyear was wet and unable to breathe normally.
The animal received treatment from medical personnel, but later died from its injuries.
“This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse we’ve ever seen,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said in August. “No animal should have to suffer such a death.”
Veterinarian Dr. John Morton performed a necropsy on the pup at Humane Society Naples which revealed the extent of the pup’s injuries.
A veterinary exam revealed possible head trauma, bruising to the right ear and mouth and muscle damage throughout the body, the Collier County Sheriff said.
“This dog’s death was caused by non-accidental blunt force trauma to the head and body with secondary internal bleeding. I think he suffered greatly from his injuries before he died,” the necropsy report stated.
Garon and his girlfriend lost their jobs because of the scandal, the man’s mother says.
Both Garon and his girlfriend reportedly lost their jobs after the animal’s death.
Suzanne Garon, the man’s mother, also told local media that their families have received threats of violence as a result of the incident.
Michelle Batten, a spokeswoman for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, told the Naples News that they have investigated the threats.
“People are saying absolutely horrible things and not just about our son, but about extended family members, our immediate family and extended family members who live in other parts of the country,” Suzanne said.
Law enforcement officials said an investigation found Garon had inflicted the injuries that led to Lightyear’s death.
Garon will stand trial in July and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In addition to being unable to provide an explanation to medical professionals, a witness told police that he heard Garon beating the animal on the night of July 29.
Hospital staff contacted the Department of Animal Services regarding the alleged case of abuse.
The Department of Animal Services subsequently contacted the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
CCSO officially began a death investigation on August 2 after they were contacted by Collier County Domestic Animal Services about an alleged case of abuse involving the pup.
Suzanne claims that Garon was out that night and had no idea what happened while Lightyear was home with his roommates.
“He left and when he got home a couple of hours later, his roommate and his roommate’s friend, the two who actually gave their statements to the police, along with two other people, were in the apartment.” Suzanne told local media.
The man’s mother claims the dog was completely fine when he left and was very distraught when he and his girlfriend returned to their home.
“They had no idea what happened like I said,” said Suzanne Garon. Bobby wasn’t home.