Man convicted in animal cruelty case that inspired ‘Dexter’s Law’ granted bond during appeal

The Brief

  • A Pinellas County judge granted bond for Domingo Rodriguez while he appeals his conviction.
  • A jury found him guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals and unlawful disposal of bodies of dead animals.
  • The case inspired Florida lawmakers to pass “Dexter’s Law.”

CLEARWATER, Fla. A Pinellas County judge granted bond Wednesday for the man convicted of killing and dumping a rescue dog days after adopting him, as he appeals his conviction.

Case against Domingo Rodriguez

The backstory:

Domingo Rodriguez adopted a 4-year-old bulldog mix, Dexter, from Pinellas County Animal Services in May 2024. Four days later, deputies found the dog decapitated in a plastic bag floating in the mangroves of East Beach in Fort De Soto.

In February 2025, a jury found Rodriguez guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals and unlawful disposal of bodies of dead animals.

He’s currently serving a sentence of one year and 60 days in jail.

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