In Flagler County, a man from Palm Coast has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for shooting his dog in the face twice. The defendant, Jamie Lee-Bright, 26, will also need to complete 42 months of probation as well as other terms as ordered by Judge Terence Perkins.
According to the Flagler County’s Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the defendant’s home in April 2022 after multiple residents reported hearing gunshots. When authorities arrived, Lee-Bright had been hosing down his back patio trying to wash blood away. There was also a freshly dug hole in the backyard.
The defendant eventually admitted to deputies that he shot his family’s one-year-old puppy in the head after the dog named Rocky allegedly bit his fiancée. Deputies were at the home for two hours before Lee-Bright told them the dog was still alive and locked up in his crate.
The dog, named Rocky, was found covered in blood with two gunshot wounds, one to the head and another to the shoulder. Lee-Bright’s fiancée did not sustain any injuries from the alleged incident that led to the shooting.
Rocky was then transported to the Flagler Animal Hospital and later made a full recovery. He was adopted by Hayden Ore, a crime analysis with the sheriff’s office. The family says Rocky has shown no signs of aggression and has been a wonderful addition to their family.
Lee-Bright pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty and tampering with evidence. He has also been placed on the animal abuse registry and is not allowed to have any animals. He was also ordered to forfeit his firearm.
It is miraculous that Rocky survived two gunshot wounds. There is no doubt he suffered greatly. Rocky has a loving home and the defendant is behind bars. A fitting end to a disturbing crime.
State Attorney R. J. Larizza
The case was investigated by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Tara Libby successfully prosecuted the case for the State.
Live a long and happy life Rocky. You deserve the best!
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