Sanford Technician Charged After Camera Records Alleged Attack on Chihuahua

A service technician in Sanford, Florida, was arrested after police reviewed video that they say recorded him kicking a small Chihuahua inside the dog's home. Richardson Noel, 43, faces a charge of aggravated animal cruelty. A charge is an accusation, and the available reports do not establish a conviction.

The dog, Boomer, was examined by a veterinarian and is now recovering at home. His owner told FOX 35 Orlando that no bones were broken and that Boomer had begun eating treats, resting and becoming playful again.

A treat dispenser camera recorded the incident

The alleged incident occurred on August 24 while the technician was servicing an air conditioning system at the Sanford home. Boomer and another dog were inside while their owners were away.

A camera built into a dog treat dispenser was recording the room. Boomer's owner, Ryan Menzies, told FOX 35 that his wife saw the camera feed and alerted him. The family provided the recording to Sanford police.

Police say the video shows Boomer approach the technician before the man kicks the dog. Buddylio is not embedding the footage because the verified facts can be reported without repeatedly showing a disturbing moment involving an animal.

Boomer returned home after veterinary care

Boomer is twelve years old and weighs about five pounds, according to the family's account. Menzies said the veterinarian found no broken bones but believed the dog might have internal bruising that would not be visible from the outside.

FOX 35 reported that Boomer was back home after the examination. The public reports available on August 29 did not identify a separate veterinary diagnosis or describe any further treatment.

The employer says Noel was dismissed

ELDante HVAC Services said in a statement reported by ClickOrlando that it was disturbed by the conduct shown in the video. The company said Noel was dismissed immediately and that it was cooperating with law enforcement.

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith described the allegation as a violation of the trust placed in someone entering a home to perform a service. Police arrested Noel after reviewing the footage, but the criminal case remains unresolved.

What remains open

The available police and local news reports identify the filed charge but do not provide a court outcome. They also do not establish a motive. Buddylio will update this report if police, prosecutors or the court release material new information.

Boomer's current recovery is the clearest outcome reported so far. Readers can find more verified developments involving dogs in Buddylio's Dogs coverage and current reporting in Animal News.

How we reported this: Buddylio reviewed the named sources, checked the organizations and figures shown above, and added context for animal lovers. Any illustration is labeled and does not depict the actual animals or scene. This report was checked on August 29, 2026. Boomer was recovering at home, and the criminal charge remained unresolved. Articles are editorial content, not veterinary advice.