FORT PIERCE, Fla. - A Fort Pierce man has been arrested after his girlfriend says she witnessed him hang one of his dogs from a tree while hitting the animal with a stick multiple times, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.

When the woman confronted 59-year-old Delfino Rosales about the incident, deputies say he allegedly became physically aggressive and started choking her.

In the backyard of the residence on the 3000 block of S US Highway 1, deputies say they found a noose, matching the victim's initial statement.

A juvenile who was at the scene also provided a statement consistent with the victim's account.

Rosales has been charged with battery by strangulation (domestic violence), animal cruelty and child abuse.

What's next:

The dogs at the residence were taken t

See Full Page