A motion-activated dog-treat dispenser captured the incident inside a Sanford home, where police say a small Chihuahua was knocked unconscious.
SANFORD, FL — A Florida heating and air conditioning technician was arrested on an aggravated animal cruelty charge after a camera built into a dog-treat dispenser recorded him kicking a homeowner’s small dog during a service call, according to Sanford police.
Police identified the technician as 43-year-old Richardson Noel. Investigators said the Furbo dispenser’s motion-activated camera recorded Noel kicking the dog inside the Sanford residence and leaving the animal unconscious for what police described as a significant period. The dog’s owners reviewed the footage and contacted authorities, leading to Noel’s arrest.
The incident occurred Aug. 24 while Noel was at the home to perform air-conditioning work, according to local reports citing police and the homeowners. The dog, a 12-year-old Chihuahua named Boomer, was among two dogs at the residence while the owners were away at work. The camera began recording after detecting the dog’s movement.
Ryan Menzies, Boomer’s owner, told local news outlets that his girlfriend received a motion alert and checked the pet camera while at work. She initially saw Boomer apparently having a medical episode, Menzies said. After reviewing earlier footage, she saw what had happened and contacted him so they could return home.
Sanford police said the video showed the technician entering the home and kicking the small dog. Police said Boomer became unconscious after the kick. Authorities later arrested Noel and charged him with aggravated animal cruelty. The charge is an allegation, and court proceedings will determine whether he is criminally responsible.
Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said the case was especially troubling because the alleged conduct happened after a resident allowed a service worker into the home. Smith said the video was difficult to watch and showed what he described as a serious violation of the trust placed in someone performing work inside a customer’s residence.
Boomer was taken for veterinary care after the incident. Menzies told News 6 and FOX 35 that veterinarians did not find broken bones. He said the dog may have suffered internal bruising. FOX 35 reported that Boomer had returned home and was recovering after being evaluated.
ELDante HVAC Services, identified by News 6 as Noel’s employer at the time, said it terminated him after reviewing the circumstances and available evidence. In a statement provided to the station, the company apologized to Boomer’s family, called the technician’s actions unacceptable and said it was cooperating with authorities.
Sanford police have asked anyone with additional information about the case to contact the department or provide information through Crimeline. Authorities had not announced any additional arrests as of Saturday.
Author note: Last updated August 29, 2026.