Fort Myers man hits dog with hatchet

WARNING: Some of the description of the incident in question is disturbing.

A Fort Myers man was arrested on Saturday for allegedly hitting a dog on the head with a hatchet.

A neighbor and property manager told the Fort Myers Police Department they believed Thomas Middleton II had taken a Tomahawk and whacked a dog on the head he was dog-sitting.

When Officers arrived at the apartment in the 3000 block of Cleveland Avenue, they found a bloody hatchet with what appeared to be dog hairs on it.

Middleton told officers the dog, referred to as "Bruno," in the report had bitten him. When officers saw the dog, they noticed a large open cut on its head consistent with a cut from a sharp instrument.

Middleton told officers he was defending himself from the dog. Middleton said, "It's just a ... dog."

Animal Control Officers removed the dog and a cat at the residence.

Bruno the dog is alive and well, under the care of the Lee County Domestic Animal Services.

Middleton was charged with one count of causing cruelty, death, pain and suffering to an animal.

Middleton is being held at the Lee County Jail on $10,000 bond.