Tyler Weinman Suing Miami-Dade, SPCA
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A south Miami-Dade man once charged with mutilating and killing nearly two dozen cats in Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay has filed a lawsuit against the county.
In addition to the county and former Animal Services Director Sara Pizano, Tyler Weinman has also named the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the University of Florida in his suit, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.
Weinman, 21, claims based on the opinions of the animal services department and forensic veterinarian Melinda Merck, who worked for the university, prosecutors were able to build a circumstantial case against him.
In June 2009, Weinman was charged with 21 counts of felony animal cruelty and improperly disposing of an animal body as well as four counts of burglary. His arrest made international headlines.
Prosecutors would later abandon their case against Weinman when it was scientifically determined at least eight of the cats were actually killed by dogs. The bodies of the other 11 were destroyed and couldn't be properly tested.
In his suit, Weinman claims negligence on the part of the county and Merck for not detecting the dog bites which led to his false arrest. He's asking for more than $15 thousand in damages.
CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed to this report.
