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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Domingo Rodriguez was back in court Friday as his attorneys asked a judge to grant bond while his sentence is being appealed.
He was convicted earlier this year for decapitating a dog.
The case garnered statewide support, leading to “Dexter’s Law,” which goes into effect July 1.
It was named after a dog that was found decapitated in Fort De Soto Park last year, days after being adopted.
The man convicted of the crime, Domingo Rodriguez, was sentenced to a year and 60 days in jail back in March.
Robin Warniment has been fighting for justice for Dexter since she heard about his untimely death.
Warniment said she got to know the dog on an intimate level working at a Pinellas County animal shelter.
“He didn’t want to play, he didn’t want to do anything, just a little bit of cuddle time, a little bit of love,” Robin Warniment explained.
On Friday, Warniment and several others protested outside of the Pinellas County courthouse.
Inside, Rodriguez’s attorney argued he should be given bond because he was convicted of misdemeanor charges and doesn’t have a prior criminal record.
“He’s not a flight risk,” Victor Zamora said. “His whole family is here.”
“They have been summoned by the state to provide testimony; this is his current situation, and there have been no issues throughout his pretrial release,” he added. “He poses no flight risk; this isn’t a situation where he would cause further trouble for himself.”
Warniment disagrees.
“He’s in jail,” she said. “He was convicted by a jury.”
“He was found guilty, and now he wants out on bond while he’s filing for his appeal,” Warniment continued.
News Channel 8 reporter Nicole Rogers asked, “You think he should stay in jail?”
“He should definitely stay in jail,” she responded. “He’s guilty.”
“Domingo Rodriguez, you are guilty,” Warniment continued.
Dexter’s Law will let judges give more time behind bars for suspects in severe animal cruelty cases.
It will also start a statewide public database showing everyone convicted of animal abuse.
As for Rodriguez, he is due back in court July 9 to find out whether or not he will be granted bond.
