Fort Myers puppy killer sought

Lee County deputies are looking for the person who abused an 8-week-old puppy and threw her dead body in a dumpster.

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers said Thursday that the dog, a chihuahua mix, was found Wednesday in a dumpster at the Brittany Apartment complex on Winkler Avenue in Fort Myers.

Detectives with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, along with Animal Control, responded and removed the female puppy from the scene. A necropsy revealed multiple signs of abuse that led to her death.

Investigators spent the day looking for leads at the complex but only learned that a witness had seen two similar-looking puppies a few days before.

Crime Stoppers is asking for the assistance of the public and local veterinary clinics to help identify who owned the puppy and ultimately, whose violent actions led to her death. Flyers are also being distributed to residents in the area of the Brittany Apartments.

“Someone with the capacity to beat a tiny, defenseless puppy and discard its body in a dumpster like a piece of trash should not be walking our streets as a free person,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers coordinator. “We are hopeful that someone saw something and will come forward so that detectives can ensure that justice is served and that this person is not able to injure another animal again.”

Anyone with information on the owner of the puppy, or the person responsible for her death, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.