Man Arrested for Alleged Animal Abuse in Lighthouse Point Caught on Surveillance Video

Alleged Animal Abuse Incident

• 💔 Disturbing surveillance footage captured an incident of alleged animal abuse in a Lighthouse Point parking lot.
• ⚡ The video shows a man, identified as Jefferson Fogasa, repeatedly hitting his dog with a sandal.
• ⚠️ Police stated the man intentionally and repeatedly struck the dog in the face, inflicting excessive pain and suffering.

Owner's Explanation and Arrest

• 🧠 According to an arrest report, Fogasa claimed his actions were driven by a fear that the dog might run away.
• ⚖️ The 42-year-old was arrested and charged with a third-degree felony for animal cruelty.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Investigators attempted to contact Fogasa at his home, where he apparently lives with his children, but received no answer.

Dog's Welfare and Legal Status

• 🏥 The dog, which was not on a leash during the incident, was removed from Fogasa's custody.
• 🐾 The animal is now under the care of Broward County Animal Control.
• 💸 Fogasa, who has no prior criminal history, has since bonded out of jail.