Officers from the Clearwater Police Department arrested 20 year-old Noah Counts of Dade City, Florida on charges of animal cruelty. The incident leading to the arrest occurred on Monday, March 14, 2022 at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers were informed that multiple witnesses saw Counts kick a 3 month-old Rottweiler puppy in the face, drag it by its leash and throw it over a wall at 430 S. Gulfview Boulevard.
One of the officers observed the puppy limping while walking after the reports of abuse. Family members told officers that Count kicked the puppy.
According to arrest documentation, Counts reported admitted to kicking the puppy on the butt but it did not “yelp” and also admitted to dragging the puppy off the beach but did not aggressively. He also admitted to “placing” the puppy over the wall and not throwing it.
Counts told an officer he was upset with the dog because the puppy was eating food that did not belong to him.
Clearwater Police noted a city ordinance does not allow dogs at that location. Officers also found a charcoal grill, which is illegal at the beach, and two open containers of alcohol, which also violate city ordinance.