Hillsborough County, FL – A 23-year-old man has been arrested on a felony charge after witnesses reported seeing him allegedly abuse his dog Saturday night, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded just before 10 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2026, to a report of animal abuse. Witnesses told investigators they saw Romar Carter, 23, repeatedly kicking his dog and striking it with a leash. Authorities said the dog could be heard yelping throughout the incident.
When questioned by deputies, Carter allegedly said his dog, Moon, had “gotten into trouble” earlier.
Deputies located Moon in a backyard kennel with visible injuries and observed the dog walking with a limp, according to the sheriff’s office. Hillsborough County Animal Services responded and took custody of the injured animal.
Carter was arrested and charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, a felony under Florida law. The charge is an allegation, and Carter is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the alleged abuse in a statement following the arrest.
“Animals depend on us for care and protection, and there is no excuse for this kind of cruelty,” Chronister said. “At HCSO, we will always protect the most vulnerable and hold those who abuse animals accountable.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the dog’s condition beyond the injuries observed by deputies at the scene.
