Two arrested in Lehigh Acres, accused of abusing their dog

An eight-pound chihuahua was left with broken ribs, a broken leg, and bruising. His owners are now facing animal cruelty charges after the dog suffered for months with severe injuries.

The latest update from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is that the dog is still receiving medical treatment.

Chapulin, the chihuahua, had many medical issues for months and did not receive treatment.

Deputies arrested Chapulin’s owners, Leonardo Gutierrez and Rebecca Tapia.

Along with the broken bones, Chapulin had bruising around the eyes and was missing a nail on its front and hindfoot.

The six-year-old chihuahua suffered from multiple injuries for months.

Gulf Coast Humane Society Community Relations Coordinator Brian Wierima said, “it’s amazing it survived. Definitely a fighter’s spirit but very dangerous situation for any animal in that circumstance.”

According to LCSO, those injuries include fractured ribs, severe bruising, and a fractured leg. Some of those injuries date back to July of 2021.

Wierima said the lack of medical care could have been deadly. “You can get things such as a blood infection very easily in canines. Sepsis. Sepsis is a very deadly infection. The pain, the pain must have been unimaginable. All-day every day.”

On Tuesday, detectives were called out to 48th Street West in Lehigh Acres to investigate Chapulin’s injuries.

They determined the injuries were the result of non-accidental blunt force trauma.

The delay in treatment could result in permanent disfigurement or amputation of Chapulin’s leg.

Chapulin’s owners, Leonardo Gutierrez and Rebecca Tapia were arrested on aggravated animal cruelty charges.

They were released on a $5,000 bond each. The two will be back in court on Feb. 28.