Animals
Treat Dispenser Captures Video Of HVAC Worker Kicking Dog
An HVAC technician in Florida is facing charges after allegedly being captured on video kicking a customer’s dog multiple times, rendering it unconscious, authorities said.
The Sanford Police Department said officers were notified of the Aug. 24 incident on Aug. 26, after the resident saw that a Furbo dog treat dispenser had captured video of the alleged abuse. The dispenser’s motion sensor was activated triggering the recording, police said.
The video, shared by the police department, shows the small dog being kicked by an HVAC technician then falling over limp. According to police, the dog was unconscious “for a significant period of time.” The worker then returns to the dog and kicks it a few more times, seemingly to determine whether it was still alive or conscious.
Investigators identified the worker as 43-year-old Richardson Noel, and arrested him on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty.
“It is deeply disturbing that someone entrusted with entering a person’s home to complete a service would violate that trust by viciously injuring a defenseless animal,” Police Chief Cecil Smith said in a statement. “The video is difficult to watch and shows the callousness of this individual.”
Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Sanford Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or online at crimeline.org.
