September 16, 2026 – Punta Gorda, FL
A Punta Gorda man was arrested after being seen on video punching a puppy and continuing abuse until its death.
On September 13th, 2026, a crime tip was received from one of the local news outlets with a video depicting a man, identified as Neil R. Puterbaugh (7/6/1973), repeatedly and forcefully striking his six-week-old puppy. This violence continued, along with additional abuse, until the helpless animal had died. After the puppy’s death, Puterbaugh disposed of it.
Over the next two days, detectives obtained the video and conducted their investigation, establishing probable cause to arrest Puterbaugh on felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty charges and Violation of Probation.
At approximately 8pm on September 15th, 2026, members of the STAR (Strategic Targeted Area Response) Unit located Puterbaugh at his residence. He was taken into custody for the felony charges and transported to the District 4 office for an interview, at which time Puterbaugh admitted to striking the dog and going too far.
Several additional videos were obtained from his residence depicting numerous acts of abuse on the puppy. Puterbaugh was transported to the Charlotte County Jail and is being held without bond.
“My heart hurts for what this sweet puppy endured. There is no excuse for abuse of this kind, and I believe the only word to describe it is ‘evil’. Thank you to the person who reported this, and to our media partner who shared it with us to investigate. I wish we could have known sooner so that maybe we could have prevented this terrible outcome. I pray this puppy is now playing free for eternity in a world without pain and fear.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
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