Sheriff's deputy Dan Sorrell saves abused dog, adopts pooch left for dead

Alleged abuser charged with animal cruelty

Randal Hart was in the St. Johns County jail Tuesday charged with animal cruelty.
Photographer: St. Johns County Sheriff's Office
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Posted: 01/16/2013

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (AP) -- A north Florida sheriff's deputy is adopting a dog he helped rescue after she'd been stabbed and dragged into the woods.

St. John's County Sheriff's deputy Dan Sorrell says he was called to a home on Monday after roommates were concerned after seeing 28-year-old Randal Hart attack the collie-Labrador mix. He followed a blood-trail until he spotted the dog.

The Florida Times-Union ( http://bit.ly/13D2ZA6 ) reports the dog walked right up to Sorrells.

Sorrells says the dog had been stabbed in the side and her throat was slashed. She was taken to a veterinary hospital in Jacksonville and Sorrells says he plans to pay her medical bills and take her home.

Officials say Hart relinquished ownership of the dog. He's been charged with animal cruelty and remains in jail on $5,000 bail.

Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com