United States - October 15, 2024

A Martin County man faces felony animal cruelty charges after a horrifying video showed him brutally abusing his girlfriend’s 9-year-old Golden Retriever mix. In the sickening footage, 24-year-old Donald Arthur Stickens III is seen hanging the dog by a leash and viciously punching it multiple times before retreating into an apartment.

Witnesses allege this was not the first time the dog endured such torment at Stickens' hands. Following the release of the footage, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, led by CID Detective Christine Polizzi and the Animal Services Unit, launched an investigation. Experts from the ASPCA detailed the extent of the animal's suffering, which included strangulation, blunt force trauma, and severe psychological distress.

The dog was initially placed in the care of the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast but has since been returned to Stickens’ girlfriend, who claims she has severed contact with him. Stickens remains in jail, facing additional charges for drug possession and evidence tampering, with bond set at $55,000.