A Wisteria Island resident was arrested on Saturday after an officer witnessed him abusing his dog during the Fantasy Fest parade.
Troy Sheldon Coveny, 47, was charged with animal cruelty and resisting an officer without violence.
Around 8:30 p.m., a Florida Highway Patrol trooper approached a Key West Police Department officer after she found a dog wondering around during the parade, where it could’ve easily been stepped on or hurt. She then pointed out Coveny, sitting on some steps nearby, whom she stated was the lost dog’s owner.
According to the report, the officer immediately recognized Coveny from a previous incident several days earlier, when he witnessed Coveny dragging his dog along with a leash. During that incident, Coveny had the leash tied to his ankle, which would drag the small dog forward every time he took a step. The officer stated he told Coveny to carry the leash in his hand and walk the dog “like a normal person.” Coveny complied, and he was given a warning referencing animal cruelty.
As the officer approached him on Saturday, he noted that Coveny was yelling at his dog and striking it on the head with his hand. The officer then told Coveny this was the second time he witnessed him abusing his animal, and he also noted the dog seemed dirty and didn’t have any food or water available.
Coveny refused to provide identification, and furthermore pulled out a knife and set it next to him as he was speaking to the officer. The officer kicked the knife away and began to arrest him, which led Coveny to pull away and resist. Despite this, the officer was ultimately able to detain him.
The Florida Keys Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded to take custody of the dog. Coveny was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Detention Center. He was released later the next day.
Information in the Crime Report is obtained from reports provided by area law enforcement agencies.
If you have information that could help solve a crime in the Florida Keys, call Crime Stoppers, 800-346-TIPS.