Milo trusted the people in his home. He depended on them for food, safety, and love. Instead, according to investigators, he was poisoned and left to die alone.

In May, 3-year-old Maltese Poodle Milo was found dead in his food bowl. Deputies say rodent poison pellets were discovered in his dish. After an investigation, Edwin Campuzano, a former police officer, was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals in Hillsborough County. He has been released on bond while the case moves forward.

Florida law allows felony animal cruelty to be punished by up to five years in prison. Yet too often, animal cruelty cases end in probation or reduced penalties. When cruelty is intentional and premeditated, the consequences must reflect the seriousness of the crime.

We are calling on Hillsborough County State Attorney Suzy Lopez to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law, to oppose any plea deal that would minimize accountability, and to seek a permanent prohibition on owning or possessing animals if a conviction is secured.

Law enforcement officers are entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the vulnerable. When someone in that position is accused of deliberately harming a defenseless animal, the public deserves transparency and firm action.

Animal cruelty is not a minor offense. It is a felony for a reason. Prosecuting it fully sends a clear message across Hillsborough County and throughout Florida: intentional cruelty will not be excused.

Milo cannot speak for himself. But our community can.

State Attorney Lopez, please pursue the strongest possible outcome in this case and ensure that justice for Milo is real, not symbolic.