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Florida Man Arrested After 5-Month-Old Puppy Strangled, Exposed to Cocaine
JENSEN BEACH, FL — A 62-year-old Florida man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty following a harrowing incident involving a five-month-old puppy that was found to be under the influence of cocaine.
John Burt Sparhawk, a resident of Jensen Beach, was taken into custody after witnesses reported seeing him brutally strangling the young dog.
The investigation began in late April when neighbors and bystanders reported hearing a puppy’s cries. One witness, Casey Rosica, described a disturbing scene where Sparhawk allegedly held the dog high in the air by its neck.
"I ran out of the truck, and I see a dog about six and a half feet in the air and it’s screaming for its life," Rosica said. "I said, 'Hey, what are you doing with that dog?' and he freaked out. He really didn’t know how to respond, and he drops the dog."
Medical Emergency and Cocaine Discovery
Following the intervention, Sparhawk reportedly claimed the puppy was having a seizure and asked neighbors to take it to a hospital. The dog, a Puggle mix named Inga, was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital where doctors observed clinical signs of extreme distress.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek noted that the dog’s condition mirrored that of a human drug overdose. "The dog's pupils were blown," Budensiek said. "Similar to a human being's pupils."
Veterinary staff confirmed that Inga’s medical episode was triggered by cocaine exposure. While Sparhawk initially told detectives the puppy may have "eaten something bad in the woods," medical experts confirmed the symptoms and toxicology were consistent with high levels of cocaine intoxication.
"I’m not sitting here saying the dog stole his stash or it was his stash at all or that he injected the dog with cocaine," Budensiek added. "I’m just simply telling you that the dog was highly intoxicated on cocaine."
Protective Custody and Threats
The case took another turn when Sparhawk allegedly showed up at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, where Inga is being held. Staff members reported that Sparhawk was acting aggressively and threatening workers in an attempt to get the dog back.
Deputies responded to the facility, trespassed Sparhawk from the property, and executed a warrant for his arrest. He was booked into the Martin County Jail and later released on bond.
Inga remains in protective custody and is expected to recover. Detectives are continuing to investigate the source of the narcotics and whether additional charges will be filed. For now, the puppy is safe and receiving care from the Humane Society as she awaits a potential new chapter.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 8, 2026
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