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Doctor Accused Of Torturing, Killing Dog

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A South Florida doctor is accused of torturing a dog tied to a tree before eventually killing it.

Dr. Isaias Lerner, a cardiologist who works with the South Broward Physicians Group in Coconut Creek, has been charged with one count of animal cruelty with intent to kill.

On Thursday, police were called to Lerner's home on East Broadview Drive on Bay Harbor Island. According to the arrest report, one witness told the officer that they saw Lerner hitting a dog tied to a tree over the head with a hammer.

A second witness told police, at one point, Lerner stabbed the dog in the head around its ear and throat area with a screw driver. The doctor allegedly moved the screw driver around in a grinding manner as the dog yelped in pain and what looked like brain matter dripped from its head.

The dog then slumped to the ground and died.

During questioning, Lerner reportedly admitted that he struck the dog a number of times on the head with a hammer. He said the dog 'wobbled for a while then passed away', according to the report.

Lerner was arrested. He walked out of jail Wednesday afternoon after posting $5,000 bond.

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