Florida Man Claims Dogs “Hung Themselves” After Cops Find Them Dead in Backyard

When confronted with the grisly scene, 42-year-old Salomon Cruz-Perez allegedly told investigators the dogs “must have hung themselves.”

Officers from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Fort Pierce home on March 16 following a report of animal cruelty.

What they found was disturbing—two dogs, one male and one female, suspended by their necks between two trees using ropes, chains, and other materials.

Suspect offers implausible explanation

When questioned, Cruz-Perez claimed the animals had been on leashes in the front yard while he went out for food.

Upon returning, he said he found them “already like that” in the backyard.

According to the arrest report, the dogs were tied with paracord, coaxial cable, and tie-down straps, bound in multiple knots and elevated off the ground.

Despite the clear signs of restraint, Cruz-Perez maintained that the dogs somehow managed to “get tied up themselves.”

He also told deputies that the dogs had caused destruction in his home and that one had nearly killed him by tripping him on the driveway.

Prior attempt to surrender pets and ongoing investigation

Authorities say Cruz-Perez had previously contacted Animal Control asking them to euthanize his dogs, but declined to proceed after learning it would require a vet and a fee.

Days later, both adult dogs were found dead.

Detectives obtained a search warrant and continued the investigation overnight with the help of crime scene specialists.

The deceased dogs were collected by Animal Control and sent to Orlando for a necropsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.

Cruz-Perez now faces two counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death. The investigation is ongoing.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.