On August 13, 2015, Justin Niederhelman , 23, of Brooksville, Florida, admitted to his father (the dachshund owner) that he repeatedly struck the dachshund in the head with a flashlight. The 7-year-old dachshund eventually succumbed to its injuries.

The father of Justin Niederhelman told deputies that Justin attempted to hide the dog’s body by wrapping it in a blanket and hiding it in a bag of dog food. He then placed the bag outside.

During questioning, Justin Niederhelman denied being at the residence, however, Justin's mother, confirmed her son had been at the residence earlier in the day.

Justin Niederhelman was previously arrested on 07-21-15 in reference to a felony domestic violence case involving his father. As a condition of his pre-trial release Justin was not to have contact with his father.

Justin was charged with one count of Animal Cruelty in addition to Violation of his Pre-Trial Release. Justin remains at the Hernando County Detention Facility where he's being held on a no bond status in relation to the felony domestic battery charge.

Please sign the petition to get justice for the "Hernando County Dachshund"

We, the undersigned, urge that Justin Niederheman, be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, for the beating death of his parents dachshund.

This is clearly a deranged and dangerous individual who is a threat to society and must be treated as such.

 Please feel free to also contact the Hernando County State Attorney's office and demand justice. We need to let these animal abusers know that we are the voice and they will not just get a slap on the wrist because they abuse/kill the voiceless.

Office of the State Attorney
Hernando County Courthouse
20 North Main St., Room 400
Brooksville, FL 34601

(352) 754-4255 Voice
(352) 754-4258 Fax