Texas Man Arrested for Fatally Hitting Small Dog at Grooming Salon

Benjamin Aguilar Charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animal Resulting in Death

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (KVEO) — A Texas man was taken into custody after allegedly punching a small dog in the stomach, causing fatal injuries, according to authorities.

Benjamin Aguilar, 39, has been charged with cruelty to a non-livestock animal resulting in death, as stated in a press release from the Brownsville Police Department.

The incident took place on December 24 when authorities responded to a report of animal cruelty at Kanino Dog Grooming in Brownsville.

The dog owner, who dropped off his Yorkie at the grooming salon, received a call from Aguilar, an employee, shortly after. Aguilar informed the owner that the Yorkie had fainted and asked him to return to the salon.

Upon arriving at the scene, the owner demanded to review the surveillance footage of the incident. The footage revealed Aguilar hitting the Yorkie in the stomach and forcefully grabbing her by the neck, according to the police.

When questioned by the police, Aguilar claimed that the dog had been aggressive, and he was attempting to “maintain control.” He admitted to using excessive force and striking the dog in the stomach as a response to its aggression.

Brownsville Animal Control officers arrived at the scene and reviewed the surveillance footage. They concluded that Aguilar had indeed used excessive force while handling the victim’s dog.

Aguilar was subsequently arrested and booked into the Brownsville City Jail. He appeared in court on Monday and was granted a bond of $8,000.

The owners of Kanino Dog Grooming did not provide a comment in response to the incident.