ohmidog!

Police in Tampa are considering filing animal cruelty charges against a 23-year-old Tampa man accused of breaking into a home and apparently running over the owner’s dog during his getaway.

Jerome Lewter has been charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of grand theft and a probation violation. A police spokesman said Lewter, who denies running over the dog, may be charged with animal cruelty.

A 40-inch Sony television was stolen during the April 19 burglary. After the incident the homeowner’s Jack Russell terrier, named Jackie, was found dead in the driveway.

“It’s kind of a shock that something like that happened,” homeowner Bill Hand said this week. “You feel violated.” Hand said his father, John Hand, got Jackie five years ago as a puppy. The dog was his dad’s companion until John Hand died at the age of 92. He asked his son to take care of Jackie.

Bill Hand told the Tampa Tribune he hopes animal cruelty charges are filed.

“I’m looking forward to him getting his day in court,” Hand said.

(Photo: John Hand and Jackie)