A crime tip submitted to WINK News on Sept. 13 put the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office on the trail of a Punta Gorda man now accused of punching a puppy to death on video. Detectives obtained the footage, spent two days building probable cause, and arrested 53-year-old Neil R. Puterbaugh at his home on Sept. 15. He faces felony aggravated animal cruelty and violation of probation charges and is being held without bond.
According to the sheriff’s office, Puterbaugh admitted to striking the dog and said he went too far. During their investigation, deputies also discovered several additional videos at his residence depicting other acts of abuse, and the STAR Unit handled the arrest.
This case moved quickly because someone decided a tip was worth sending. Animal cruelty is a felony in Florida, and reports from the public often give law enforcement the evidence they need to act. If you witness abuse anywhere on the Suncoast, contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office or your local agency. What would you want to see happen in a case like this?
