Man accused of tossing dog into dumpster behind Lehigh Family Dollar

Reporter: Claire Galt Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
press conference
Anthony Lee Bellman mugshot. Credit: LCSO

Warning: some viewers may find images in this story disturbing.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference regarding a recent animal cruelty arrest that resulted from the discovery of a dog tossed into a dumpster.

On Thursday, LCSO deputies responded to a call regarding some activity behind a Family Dollar store located in Lehigh Acres.

Upon arrival, deputies noticed some rustling inside a garbage bin. They found a 16-year-old Shih Tzu with a garbage bag on top of her head and a rope around her neck.

When deputies reviewed surveillance camera footage, they witnessed a man walking towards the trunk of his blue minivan to grab a bag they believe had the dog inside. He then tosses the bag into the trash bin.

Deputies were able to locate the owner of the animal, as the dog was chipped.

Deputies confronted Anthony Lee Bellman, 55, at his home hours after discovering the dog. Bellman told deputies the original owners of the dog had died and that he intended to put the animal down at the Humane Society.

Bellman was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

The dog has since been transported to Lee County Domestic Animal Services for treatment.

During the press conference, Sheriff Carmine Marceno mentioned that the animal was in good health and recovering well.

“The suspect literally throwing a life away. This video was disgusting,” said Marceno.

The sheriff continued to mention that Bellman, if convicted, will be placed on the recently established Lee County animal abuse registry.

“He tried to throw her away in a dumpster, which could have slowly suffocated her to death or died of heatstroke,” said Marceno. “A hospital examination said Zala was on her way to a painful death. If she had not been discovered, her last moments would have been like drowning from the inside out.”

Since the inception of the LCSO Animal Cruelty Task Force, approximately 27,000 abuse calls have been made. Fifteen people have been arrested due to the task force.

“If you hurt an animal in Lee County, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Marceno.

Bellman bonded out of jail hours after his arrest.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.