PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - Corey Vaughn Dacres, a 25-year-old resident, was taken into custody by Pembroke Pines Police officers on charges of Aggravated Animal Cruelty after deliberately drowning his family’s beloved pet dog.
The incident occurred on Sunday during a domestic dispute at the Advenir at San Tropez apartment complex, located off Pines Boulevard and University Drive.
“It appears that this individual’s violent and criminal actions were deliberate,” said Pembroke Pines Police Department Major Al Xiques. “And as a part of a domestic dispute that occurred earlier with his family.”
According to authorities, Dacres left his residence with Unity, a 6-year-old pitbull-terrier mix, following the altercation.
They walked to the community pool within the apartment complex, where Dacres threw the helpless canine over the locked 5-foot fence surrounding the pool area. He then proceeded to jump the fence and entered the pool with Unity, subsequently drowning the dog.
“He had to pick up the dog, put it over the fence and then jump over the fence himself,” continued Xiques. “Then later walked into the pool with the dog and drowned the dog intentionally.”
Upon his return home, Dacres informed his family of his heinous act, prompting them to contact the police. Responding officers arrived at the scene and discovered Unity’s lifeless body at the bottom of the swimming pool.
“Five cop cars right there,” said a neighbor. Many in the community heard a commotion at the pool. “One of the guys, he was going crazy, trying to hold him back,” said another neighbor.
Following a thorough investigation and questioning, authorities promptly arrested Dacres. He was then transported to BSO Main Jail for processing.
“Sir you are charged with causing cruelty death, pain or suffering for an animal,” said the judge during Dacre’s court hearing on Monday.
Dacres is now facing a felony charge of Aggravated Animal Cruelty. He is being held on a $35,000 bond and will not be allowed back to his home, cannot have contact with the victims and cannot own any animals if he posts bail. Dacres was also ordered a mental health evaluation within 10 days of his release.
Neighbors were left feeling uneasy.
“If it wasn’t a dog it could be a person someday you know, it’s scary.”
The case remains an active criminal investigation, with further information set to be released as it becomes available.
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