FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Palm Coast man who was arrested last year after his dog was found shot in the face in a kennel has been sentenced to prison.
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Deputies said they were called to a Seaman Trail East home in April of 2022 after several people heard dogs barking and crying before hearing gunfire.
Investigators said 26-year-old Jamier Lee-Bright shot the dog, Rocky, in the snout and left him in a kennel in a bedroom, but denied hearing anything at first.
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According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Rocky suffered a bullet going through his snout and bottom lip, into his neck and shoulder area, and through his left front leg.
Detectives arrested Lee-Bright on charges of felony animal cruelty and tampering with evidence. Rocky was turned over to Palm Coast Animal Control for medical care and eventually made a full recovery after surgery.
Lee-Bright pleaded guilty to both charges back in May.
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During a hearing in Flagler County Wednesday, Lee-Bright was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by 42 months of probation.
“Justice has finally been served to Rocky’s shooter,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement. “Lashing out at your pet is never the right answer.”
After hearing the story of Rocky’s recovery, A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employee decided to adopt him.
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According to FCSO Crime Analyst Hayden Ore and his wife, Rocky has shown no signs of aggression since his trauma and has been a “wonderful addition” to their family.
“It is miraculous that Rocky survived two gunshot wounds; there is no doubt he suffered greatly,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said in a statement about the case. “Rocky has a loving home and the defendant is behind bars. A fitting end to a disturbing crime.”
As a part of his sentence, Lee-Bright will also be placed on the animal abuser registry and is banned from any future contact with animals.
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