WHO KILLED BUZZ LIGHTYEAR? Florida man to stand trial for allegedly killing puppy, moans about losing job
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA: The Florida man accused of killing his 5-month-old Goldendoodle puppy, "Buzz Lightyear," by hitting him has been given a trial date. On July 17, Robert "Bobby" William Garon, 23, will testify in front of a jury on allegations connected to "one of the worst cases of animal abuse" that a local law enforcement organization has ever encountered.
Garon brought the puppy to the Emergency Pet Hospital of Collier County in July when he was unable to walk or pick up his head and was confused. Garon, who took Lightyear to the emergency vet without being able to explain the dog's wounds, insists he is innocent and has experienced severe repercussions as a result of the scandal, including losing his job.
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Garon, who entered a not-guilty plea on November 14, was detained in August and is accused of cruelly inflicting the death, pain, or suffering of an animal. The Collier County Humane Society conducted a necropsy on the animal, and the results revealed that the body of Lightyear had suffered serious harm before he died.
On July 29, Lightyear was taken into the Emergency Pet Hospital in a Florida county by Garon and his fiancée due to severe wounds sustained in an unspecified event. When Lightyear arrived at the hospital, he was soaked and unable to breathe normally, in addition to being confused and unable to move. The animal was given medical care, but he later died from his wounds. "This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse we've seen," stated Sheriff Kevin Rambosk in August. "No animal should ever have to suffer such a death," Daily Mail reported.
The extent of the puppy's injuries was discovered during a necropsy that was conducted by veterinarian Dr John Morton at the Humane Society of Naples. The Collier County Sheriff reported that a vet examination found possible brain injuries, bruising near the right ear and mouth, and muscle injury all over the body. "This dog's death was caused by non-accidental, blunt force trauma to the head and body with secondary internal hemorrhage. I believe he suffered significantly from his injuries before death," the necropsy report says.
According to reports, Garon and his girlfriend both lost their jobs as a result of the animal's death. The man's mother, Suzanne Garon, also disclosed to local media that the incident has resulted in threats of violence against their family. The Collier County Sheriff's Office has looked into threats, according to Michelle Batten, a spokesman for the agency, who talked to the Naples News. "People are saying absolutely horrible things and not just about our son, but to extended family members, our immediate family and to extended family members who live in other parts of the country," Suzanne stated. According to investigators, Garon was responsible for Lightyear's injuries, which ultimately caused his death.