A video that has gained attention on Facebook shows a man walking his two dogs, with allegations of abuse directed towards one of them.
The footage, which surfaced recently , shows an incident at the corner of Chiquita Boulevard and El Dorado Parkway.
Within an hour of the video, a Facebook post led Lee County deputies and Animal Services to the dog owner's residence.
Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) and Lee County Domestic Animal Services conducted a two-hour search of the home.
During the investigation, a veterinarian from Lee County Domestic Animal Services examined the dogs and found them to be in good health.
The dog owner, speaking exclusively to NBC2, explained that he initially received a citation, but it was later reduced to a warning.
He apologized for the way the situation appeared in the video. He said he loves his dogs and would never harm them.
Neighbors who spoke with NBC2 defended the dog owner, saying that his four dogs are well-trained and always seem happy playing outside with tennis balls.
The owner says that he was trying to untangle one of the dogs from her leash while managing the other three, which he says was challenging.
The dog owner tells NBC2 he is scared to leave his home or go to work due to threats he has received.
Right now LCSO is collaborating with the State Attorney’s Office to review evidence and conduct further interviews related to the case.