Arrest made in case involving puppy with broken legs

Police said a 22-year-old Cedar Rapids man was arrested Thursday

By: Kat Russell Apr. 8, 2021 2:18 pm Updated: Apr. 8, 2021 2:49 pm

Kimble, a 12-week-old male Golden Retriever puppy, was turned over to a local rescue on April 1, 2021. The puppy had two broken legs. Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control is investigating possible abuse.

Police have arrested a 22-year-old Cedar Rapids man in connection with an animal abuse case in which a 12-week-old puppy suffered two broken legs.

According to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Jayden Devontre Cliff faces a charge of animal abuse causing serious injury — an aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of at least $850.

He was booked into the Linn County Jail on Thursday.

Police said Cliff is accused of grabbing the male golden retriever puppy by the scruff of the neck and throwing it to the ground, then kicking the puppy.

The abuse allegedly occurred after the puppy had defecated on a bed and then continued to defecate on the floor after being thrown to the ground, police said.

The puppy was turned over April 1 to the care of Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids, a local nonprofit animal rescue organization, by a person who said a teenager had left the dog at their house.

Critter Crusaders contacted Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control to investigate.

Kimble, a 12-week-old male Golden Retriever puppy, was turned over to a local rescue on April 1, 2021. The puppy had two broken legs and had surgery Tuesday April 6, 2021. Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control is investigating possible abuse. (Photo courtesy of Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control)

The puppy — which the rescue named Kimble — suffered two fractured legs — a seriously broken right rear femur and several fractured metacarpals in his right front foot. Kimble underwent surgery to treat the breaks Tuesday, police said.

Police said Cliff was identified as a suspect with the help of tips from the public.

Comments: 319-398-8238; kat.russell@thegazette.com.