A 58-year-old Gainesville man was arrested and charged with one count of animal cruelty Wednesday for allegedly stabbing a neighbor’s rottweiller about 16 times with a pocketknife.
On July 21, Thomas Martin Nebus heard a schnauzer, Angel, and a neighbor’s dog, Rosco, fighting outside Nebus’ home at 4528 SE First Ave.
Nebus is accused of ending the fight by repeatedly stabbing Rosco with a 3-inch pocketknife, according to an Alachua County Animal Services investigation report.
The rottweiler ran away, but Nebus pursued and continued to stab him, wounding the dog in the throat, around the lung and on top of the neck, according to the report.
“When [Nebus] decided to follow and continue stabbing the dog, that’s what’s viewed as cruelty,” said David Flagler, ACAS director.
“This is the reason people need to secure their animals at home.”
Police found Rosco bleeding under a bush, and the dog’s owner, Victor Heidelberg. Heidelberg surrendered him to animal services.
A veterinarian decided Rosco’s wounds were too extensive to be treated and euthanized him.
Nebus was released from jail Thursday without bond.
