Dog Found Dead, Weighted with Cinder Blocks in Coconut Grove
A dog named Ronnie was found dead and tied to cinder blocks in Coconut Grove waters, sparking online outrage and a police animal cruelty investigation.
Key points
- A boater discovered Ronnie's body Tuesday at the Seminole Boat Ramp off South Bayshore Drive.
- Video of the submerged dog with cinder blocks tied to its legs spread quickly on social media.
- Ronnie's owner contacted police after recognizing the dog and is cooperating with the investigation.
MIAMI (WSVN) — Disturbing images and video of a dog found dead and weighted down with cinder blocks in Coconut Grove waters have prompted widespread anger online and an active police investigation. The boater who discovered the animal is now speaking publicly about what he saw.
Boater Describes Discovery
Ryan Young, who lives aboard a sailboat, came across the scene Tuesday at the Seminole Boat Ramp off South Bayshore Drive. The dog has since been identified as Ronnie.
“I saw what looked like two small limbs breaking the surface and thought at first it might be livestock that had fallen overboard,” Young said. “When I got nearer I realized they were a dog’s paws. My immediate reaction was that someone’s pet had slipped off a boat and drowned. Then the water was clear enough that I could see the rope and the two cinder blocks tied to it, and it became obvious this was deliberate.”
I saw what looked like two small limbs breaking the surface and thought at first it might be livestock that had fallen overboard. When I got nearer I realized they were a dog’s paws. My immediate reaction was that someone’s pet had slipped off a boat and drowned. Then the water was clear enough that I could see the rope and the two cinder blocks tied to it, and it became obvious this was deliberate.
— Ryan Young
Investigation and Public Appeal
Cellphone footage shared on Facebook spread quickly across social media. The video shows Ronnie submerged just beneath the surface, with cinder blocks secured to the animal’s legs.
Ronnie’s owner contacted police after recognizing the dog in the circulating video and confirmed the animal had gone missing earlier that week. Investigators said the owner provided identifying details and has been cooperating with the inquiry. Police are treating the case as animal cruelty and are seeking any additional information from the public.
