Detectives have questioned a person who might be connected to the dog, but police have not confirmed the animal’s ownership.
MIAMI, Fla. — Miami police are investigating a suspected case of animal abuse after a dog was found submerged in water and secured to two concrete blocks in Coconut Grove, a discovery that came to authorities’ attention after disturbing images spread online.
Investigators said they became aware Tuesday of a video circulating on social media that showed the dog underwater. Detectives are following leads to determine how the animal ended up there, how it died and who may be responsible. Police have not publicly identified the dog’s owner or said how long the animal had been in the water.
The investigation took a new turn when Miami police made contact with a person who investigators said might be the dog’s owner. Police have not confirmed that the person owned the animal. Authorities said the individual was questioned and later arrested on unrelated charges. Police did not publicly identify that person or provide details about the unrelated case.
That distinction remains important as detectives continue their work. Police have not announced an arrest tied to the dog’s death, and authorities have not said they have determined that the person questioned had any role in what happened. Investigators are still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death and identify whoever may be responsible.
The case began drawing attention after a social media post showed the dog beneath the water near Coconut Grove. The images appeared to show the animal secured to concrete blocks. Another claim posted online said the dog had been found near a sunken sailboat, though police have released few details about the precise circumstances in which the animal was discovered.
Miami Beach police initially became aware of the social media material and worked to determine where the incident had occurred. Authorities later established that the location was in Coconut Grove, within the city of Miami, and the investigation was turned over to Miami police. The Miami Police Department said detectives were actively following leads.
City crews later removed the dog from the area, according to reporting from the scene. Concrete blocks and rope seen in the circulating images remained visible nearby. Authorities have not publicly released findings establishing whether the animal was alive when it entered the water, the cause of death or whether investigators have obtained evidence showing when the dog was placed there.
Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo said the images prompted him to contact police and described the apparent treatment of the animal as cruel and inhumane. His comments reflected the strong reaction that followed the video’s circulation, but investigators have cautioned through their ongoing inquiry that key facts about the case have not yet been established.
Florida law provides criminal penalties for animal cruelty and for aggravated animal cruelty when an intentional act results in a cruel death or excessive or repeated unnecessary suffering. Whether any part of that law applies in the Coconut Grove case will depend on what investigators determine. Police have not announced any animal-cruelty charge in connection with the discovery.
The investigation remained active Wednesday. Detectives were continuing to pursue leads, determine the dog’s ownership and reconstruct the events that led to the animal being found underwater. Police had not publicly identified a suspect or announced charges related to the dog’s death.
Author note: Last updated October 14, 2026.