FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Palm Coast man accused of strangling his 15-month-old dog to death is facing felony animal cruelty charges, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Howard Blair, 55, was arrested Thursday in connection with the death of his American Bulldog and Labrador Retriever mix named Nutmeg.

The sheriff’s office said on Jan. 25 deputies responded to a Palm Coast residence to investigate an animal complaint. When deputies arrived, they discovered Nutmeg had died the night before.

Nutmeg was one of five dogs living inside the residence.

As deputies were investigating Nutmeg’s death, the sheriff’s office said they learned Blair had strangled Nutmeg after she bit one of the other dogs during feeding time.

The sheriff’s office said Blair wrapped Nutmeg in a blanket and placed her in a plastic bin before burying her in the backyard.

On May 17, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Blair based on evidence obtained during the investigation.

Deputies located Blair on Thursday and arrested him for aggravated animal cruelty.

“I commend our deputies for thoroughly investigating this case,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you hurt or kill an innocent animal, we will find you and put you in the Green Roof Inn where you belong.”

Blair was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was released on a $2,500 bond.