Chihuahua taken from Winter Garden owner after video shows animal hanging from leash

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — An animal cruelty investigation is underway after Winter Garden police officers received video showing a dog hanging by a leash from the roof of a home.

A man was walking his dogs and recorded the 1-year-old Chihuahua hanging from the home’s front porch.

“Hanging approximately 4 inches from the ground and based on the witness, the dog was distraught and felt tormented,” said Lt. Scott Allen of the Winter Garden Police Department.

Animal control officers were able to identify the residence and the dog.

Watch: Dog hanging on leash from roof of Winter Garden home

According to court documents, the owner, Brian Flowers, left the 5-pound dog hanging for about 15 minutes before coming to get the animal.

Photos in court records showed a nail was used to hold the leash up while the dog dangled.

The owner told police the dog was having fun.

The Chihuahua has been examined by a veterinarian, who noted the dog had swelling on its neck consistent with a history of being hung by a leash.

Orange County Animal Services filed a petition for full custody of the dog on July 28 and the case is scheduled to be heard Aug. 25.

Officials said it is rare for animal services to petition for custody, and that there are usually a couple petitions a year.

The dog, which animal services calls Hey Man, is doing well at the shelter. The Chihuahua is not available for adoption due to the animal cruelty investigation that's underway.

It will stay at the shelter until a judge makes a decision on the petition.

Cox Media Group