STUART, Fla. — A Martin County man has been taken into custody after a distressing video captured by a doorbell camera depicted him assaulting a dog. Authorities identified the suspect as Donald Stickens III, accused of abusing his girlfriend’s golden retriever spitz mix, said to be about nine years old.
The troubling footage, which shows the dog being strangled by its leash and struck repeatedly, led Martin County Sheriff’s deputies to arrest Stickens, who was already detained on an unrelated drug charge. The incident reportedly took place in front of an apartment at Serenity Stuart complex, where Stickens lived with his girlfriend and two other residents.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident occurred on Aug. 20, but authorities only became aware of the footage several days later when it was uploaded to the complex’s community portal. The video eventually played a critical role in Stickens’ apprehension and the subsequent investigation.
Upon examining the video, detectives visited the apartment and interviewed the couple. While Stickens’ girlfriend confirmed ownership of the dog, named Stella, Stickens himself reacted with hostility, refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.
Further inquiry led to more witnesses coming forward, including one of Stickens’ roommates, who claimed to have overheard the attack. A neighbor also reported frequent loud disputes and disturbances emanating from the couple’s apartment, contributing to a pattern of aggressive behavior noted by locals.
Stella was promptly removed from the home and placed under the care of The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. A forensic veterinarian affiliated with the American Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted an examination of Stella. Although the physical check came too late to conclusively identify any bruising, an analysis determined the severity of the blows delivered by Stickens.
The veterinarian’s report described signs of extreme distress and fear in Stella, including symptoms such as open-mouth breathing and a tucked tail. Additionally, the dog was found to be suffering from a pre-existing knee injury, likely exacerbated by the assault.
Legal proceedings for the accused include not only the animal abuse charges but addressed revelations made by Stickens during a jailhouse phone call. According to affidavit transcripts, he confessed to mistreating both his girlfriend and the dog.
Authorities released the pertinent doorbell video on Tuesday, a visual testament to the brutal attack and a vital piece of evidence against Stickens. Law enforcement officials are processing the case while emphasizing the importance of community awareness and reporting in preventing and prosecuting cases of such nature. The case against Stickens is ongoing, underscoring a continued commitment to justice for both human and animal victims of abuse.