STUART, Fla. — A Florida man has been arrested following the release of distressing video footage captured by a doorbell camera, which shows the man allegedly abusing a dog by striking it and hanging it by its leash. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Donald Stickens III, who is accused of harming his girlfriend’s nine-year-old golden retriever spitz mix outside their Stuart apartment.
The troubling incident occurred on August 20 but only came to light several days later when it was uploaded to an online portal by the Serenity Stuart apartment complex at 401 SE Central Parkway. The video caused immediate concern among law enforcement and animal welfare organizations.
Upon investigation, deputies found that the couple resided in the apartment with two others who were moving out when the authorities arrived. During the interaction with law enforcement, Stickens was described as “irate and uncooperative” according to a detective’s account in the probable cause affidavit. His girlfriend confirmed the dog, named Stella, belonged to her.
Stella was quickly removed from the situation and placed in the care of The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. A forensic veterinarian from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted an examination of Stella. Despite the lapse in time since the incident which complicated the assessment, a meticulous frame-by-frame analysis of the video revealed the severe nature of the blows delivered by Stickens, with such force that it visibly moved his own body.
The veterinarian’s report concluded that Stella likely experienced significant pain from the strikes and the act of being strangled, leading to apparent extreme distress, evidenced by signs such as tucked tail and labored breathing. Additionally, Stella was found to suffer from a chronically torn knee ligament.
Further complicating Stickens’ situation, one roommate recounted not witnessing the abuse but hearing distressing sounds during the incident. The same affidavit noted frequent heated arguments and loud disturbances emanating from the couple’s apartment, corroborated by neighbor accounts.
These revelations came when Stickens was already detained on an unrelated drug charge. While in custody, he reportedly made incriminating statements over the phone, admitting to physical altercations with his girlfriend and the dog, which were recorded by jail officials.
The sheriff’s office, in an effort to raise public awareness, released the doorbell footage, albeit with warnings due to its graphic nature. As this case continues, it raises significant concerns about domestic and animal abuse, highlighting the importance of community and vigilance in reporting such malicious acts.