For the past 12-years, Stacy Boyles has done everything with her beloved dog “Roxy.”
On July 8th, the dog she loves was beaten so severely during a burglary is caused permanent physical and emotional trauma to the German Shepherd.
“She has seizures now,” Boyles said. “She was having a hard time walking, she was emotionally traumatized. It was hard for her to go outside so we had to put her on a leash and drag her out.”
Boyles said ever since the burglary she hasn’t felt safe in her own home. The alarm is now always set, and surveillance cameras were installed. Boyles said the house was locked at the time and police were across the street holding a community event. Even with all the traffic and St. Petersburg police clearly visible in the area, Boyles says Carl Schroeder broke in.
“He was determined to get into the house,” Boyles said. “This person was so motivated to get in the front door they actually cut themselves and left blood on the door.”
That blood was collected as evidence. Even though Schroeder was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on July 10th. It took more than two months for the DNA to be processed, and for detectives to get a match.
Schroeder faces multiple felony charges that include animal cruelty, armed burglary, grand theft, battery of a law enforcement officer, and fleeing a police officer. According to court documents he is awaiting trial.
“I don’t know what I would say to him,” Boyles said. “You realize there is no talking to someone like that they are just crazy.”
The veterinarian cleared Roxy and said her blood work looked good. It will just take time for the dog to heal from the trauma of the attack.
