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Hialeah woman faces charges after video shows her abusing her dog
Miriam Yilian De La Rosa, 42, was arrested following an investigation at the Metro Parc Apartments in Hialeah, where authorities said several incidents involving the same dog were caught on camera.
The investigation began after a tenant reported finding feces on a wall near an apartment-building elevator. A front-desk employee reviewed surveillance footage to determine what happened and reportedly discovered footage involving De La Rosa and the dog.
Multiple Incidents Captured on Camera
According to police, one incident occurred Sept. 16 after De La Rosa was seen outside the building with three dogs — two in a stroller and another on a leash.
Investigators said the dog slipped out of its collar and ran away. De La Rosa allegedly chased after it, grabbed the animal and handled it forcefully, including holding it upside down by its legs.
Police said additional surveillance footage showed De La Rosa allegedly striking the dog several times inside the building.
In another incident later that night, investigators said the dog was struck again inside an elevator after it urinated and defecated.
She Told Police She Was Fostering the Dog
De La Rosa reportedly told investigators that she had been fostering the dog for approximately two months.
Police also learned that the animal had allegedly been abused before coming into her care, according to the arrest investigation.
Miami-Dade Animal Services took custody of all three dogs so they could be kept safe and medically evaluated. Officials said they were unable to confirm which foster program the dog involved in the case came from.
Judge Sets $7,500 Bond
De La Rosa appeared in court following her arrest. A judge found probable cause and set her bond at $7,500, or $2,500 for each of the three counts. She was also ordered to stay away from the animal.
She faces three felony counts of animal cruelty with intent to injure. Each charge can carry a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if she is convicted.
Neighbors Shocked by the Allegations
Residents of the apartment complex said they were disturbed after learning about the allegations and seeing the surveillance footage.
One neighbor told CBS Miami that she considers her own dog part of her family and could not understand how anyone could mistreat an animal.
Another resident said he had known De La Rosa but had never witnessed her allegedly abusing the dogs before seeing the footage.
Investigation Continues
The Hialeah Police Department said it remains committed to investigating animal cruelty complaints and holding people accountable when evidence supports criminal charges.
For now, the three dogs remain in the care of Miami-Dade Animal Services while the criminal case moves forward.
De La Rosa is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty in court.
Source: CBS News Miami
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