A shocking case of animal cruelty recently unfolded in Kissimmee, Florida, leaving many people outraged and heartbroken. Marco Zuluaga, a 28-year-old resident, was arrested on December 27 after being caught on camera violently attacking a one-year-old Australian shepherd puppy named Lilly.
The incident took place at an apartment complex, where the management team found surveillance footage that showed Zuluaga carrying the small dog. In the video, a loud noise can be heard off-camera, which authorities believe was the sound of Zuluaga slamming the dog against a hard surface. Moments later, he reappears in the frame and, shockingly, throws the puppy onto the concrete floor outside with the force of a baseball pitcher. Lilly can be heard yelping in pain before running off in fear.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez held a press conference on December 30 to address the public about the horrific act. He explained that Zuluaga’s attack stemmed from his frustration after the puppy had an accident on the carpet inside his apartment. Sheriff Lopez also shared that the situation could have been even worse. The investigation revealed that Zuluaga had slammed the puppy against a balcony railing and appeared to consider throwing her from the third floor before ultimately deciding against it.
The sheer violence of Zuluaga’s actions left many stunned. Sheriff Lopez described how Zuluaga’s force was so extreme that he injured his own shoulder in the process. He said it was “disgusting and disturbing” and a miracle that Lilly survived. Despite the trauma, Lilly was taken to a veterinarian who discovered she had a dilated pupil in her left eye and deep tissue bruising on her belly. Thankfully, she is expected to recover fully.
Zuluaga was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty. He was taken to the Osceola County Jail, where he later posted a $5,000 bond and was released on December 28. As part of his release conditions, Zuluaga has been banned from having any contact with pets. Lilly, now safe from further harm, has been taken in by Animal Control.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Sheriff Lopez announced that Lilly has already found a new forever home. He reassured the public that she will never have to return to such a terrible situation, calling Zuluaga a “monster” for his actions.
This heartbreaking story has sparked widespread outrage and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting animals and holding abusers accountable. Lilly’s story, however, ends with hope as she begins her journey toward a happier, safer life.
