A Palm Bay dog has nearly fully recovered a month after being stabbed inside its home.

  • Jasper, a 2-year-old Yorkie, was stabbed by burglar in July
  • He has been recovering since emergency surgery
  • Markell Sawyer is in jail on felony animal cruelty charges

On July 24, police say Markell Sawyer broke into a Salina Street home while the owners were out of town.

He trashed the house and stabbed a 2-year-old Yorkie named Jasper in the stomach with a pair of scissors.

A neighbor who was dog-sitting found Jasper injured in the yard and called police.

Jasper had emergency surgery and has been recovering ever since.

“To think I could have lost him,” said John Kilderry, the owner. “He’s just a great pal.”

Sawyer was arrested and made his first court appearance Tuesday. He was denied a bond reduction and remains in jail on felony animal cruelty charges.

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