A 33-year-old Cuban man has been arrested following the media uproar over a video showing him kicking a dog in a northwest Miami-Dade building. The perpetrator has been identified as Richel Yumar González, who, in a twist of irony, is a pet groomer.
González was released from the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Thursday after posting a $500 bond, according to Local 10 News. The incident, which led to his arrest and subsequent job loss, occurred last week at a residential building located in the Jade Winds complex, at 1770 NE 191 St., in the Ojus area of Miami-Dade.
The video, captured by a surveillance camera, shows him kicking a small white dog twice. At the time, he was wearing a shirt from the "Deluxe Mobile Grooming Company," based in Hialeah. Following the spread of the video, the county police launched an investigation that concluded when González turned himself in and confessed.
Deluxe Mobile Grooming Company issued a public apology, emphasizing that they do not condone animal abuse and announced measures against the employee. The owner, named Yosuan Rodríguez, informed Local 10 that he immediately fired González upon learning of the incident and will take legal action against him. Rodríguez also mentioned that his business has suffered and he has received death threats directed at him and his family.
"I have no idea why he did what he did," said Yosuan, who described sending screenshots to the abuser and asking if he really kicked the dog. "He said yes, that was it," he emphasized.
González faces criminal charges for "unnecessarily" tormenting "any animal in a cruel or inhuman manner," a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by jail time, a fine, or both.
The dog, a female Maltese-Shih Tzu mix named Coco, exhibited behavioral changes, but the veterinarian confirmed she did not suffer any injuries.
Details Surrounding Richel Yumar González's Arrest
The following questions and answers provide further clarity on the incident involving Richel Yumar González and the animal abuse charges he faces.
Who is Richel Yumar González?
Richel Yumar González is a 33-year-old Cuban man and a pet groomer who was arrested after a video showed him kicking a dog in a Miami building.
What actions did Deluxe Mobile Grooming Company take following the incident?
Deluxe Mobile Grooming Company immediately fired Richel Yumar González and announced they would take legal actions against him. They also issued a public apology and condemned the animal abuse.
What are the potential penalties for González?
González faces charges for cruelly or inhumanely tormenting an animal, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
How is the dog, Coco, doing after the incident?
Coco, the Maltese-Shih Tzu mix, showed some behavioral changes but was confirmed by a veterinarian to have suffered no physical injuries.