Man accused of stabbing dog to death 'because it always took girlfriend's side in arguments'
Mike Lado knifed the Boxer-Labrador cross after it barked at him as he argued with his partner
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man stabbed his girlfriend's dog to death with a kitchen knife because he claimed it always took her side in arguments, police say.
Mike Lado, 26, faces animal cruelty charges after detectives say he stabbed Blue twice with a kitchen knife as he rowed with his partner.
The two-year-old Boxer-Labrador cross barked and growled as the couple argued at their home in Lee County, Florida, according to US media reports.
Moments before stabbing the dog, Mr Lado complained that the animal always sided with his girlfriend, according to an arrest report seen by local TV station Fox 4.
Detectives found a trail of blood leading from the kitchen to the hallway where the dog slumped and died. Police believe he had tried to flee.
Mr Lado had reportedly been drinking for several hours before returning home and getting into an argument on Wednesday.
His girlfriend told police Blue calmed down before Lado reached for a knife and stabbed him. The dog bled to death in their home.
Mr Lado's girlfriend, who has not been named, had adopted Blue through the Gulf Coast Humane Society animal shelter.
Jennifer Galloway, the shelter's chief executive, described the dog's death as "a big kick in the gut".
"Dogs want to please. That's all they want to do, and all Blue was trying to do is protect his mom," she told NBC2.
"He can't latch that door and get out of the situation. He's stuck in that situation."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments