Former District Dogs employee indicted on charges of kicking a dog to death at Navy Yard location

WASHINGTON — A Maryland man has been indicted on animal cruelty charges after he allegedly kicked a dog to death while working at a boarding facility in D.C. earlier this year. 

According to the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, 33-year-old Adriano Demorais was arrested and arraigned Tuesday. 

The charges stem from a deadly incident that occurred at the District Dogs location in Navy Yard. 

Investigators say Demorais was working an overnight shift at the dog day care on Feb. 16. While feeding the dogs in the early morning, a 5-month-old Mountain Cur/German Shephard named Bronny, got close to Demorais' feet. That is when officials say Demorais kicked the dog in the left side of Bronny's stomach. 

After the kick, the dog reportedly circled the room before collapsing a few seconds later. Bronny was taken to a veterinary facility, where medical staff declared he had died. A necropsy confirmed the dog died from blunt abdominal trauma with subsequent hemorrhagic shock.

Demorais reportedly later admitted to kicking the 5-month-old dog, claiming he was frustrated over Bronny becoming too energetic while he was trying to feed the dogs. 

District Dogs confirmed to WUSA in February that Demorais had been fired. The dog day care released a statement following the dog's death in February.

"The District Dogs family is heartbroken over this incident and extends its sincere condolences to the family of the dog, and we grieve their loss at this profoundly difficult time."

The Humane Rescue Alliance investigated the case and released a statement Tuesday evening:

"Our hearts ache for the tragic loss of Bronny, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family,” said Chris Schindler, senior vice president of animal welfare, field response and rescue at the Humane Rescue Alliance. “At HRA, we remain committed in our fight to combat animal cruelty and ensuring accountability for those responsible.”

If convicted, Demorais faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison.