- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Naples Man Charged in Puppy's Blunt Force Trauma Death
Xavier Reda faces aggravated animal cruelty charges after a forensic necropsy revealed injuries inconsistent with an accidental fall.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 24-year-old Naples man, Xavier Reda, has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation into the death of an 11-week-old Chihuahua puppy named Dixie. Police initially responded to a 911 call where Reda claimed the puppy fell from a second-story porch, but a forensic necropsy later revealed injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, ultimately leading to Dixie's death.
Why it matters
This case highlights the increasing importance of forensic veterinary medicine in investigating suspected animal cruelty. Necropsies can provide crucial evidence that challenges initial claims and uncovers the truth behind an animal's death, allowing experts to determine the mechanism of trauma and whether it aligns with the reported circumstances.
The details
Police responded to a 911 call near Curlew Avenue, finding Dixie unresponsive and wrapped in a towel. Reda's initial account suggested an accidental fall. However, a forensic necropsy conducted at the University of Florida Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories revealed injuries inconsistent with a fall, including an acute left rib fracture with associated lung punctures, a healed rib fracture from a prior injury, hemorrhaging, and focal intracranial hemorrhage. Veterinarians determined the injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma, ultimately leading to Dixie's death.
- On November 13, 2024, police responded to a 911 call near Curlew Avenue.
- In April 2025, the Naples Police Department submitted an arrest warrant request.
- On February 3, 2026, a warrant was issued for Xavier Reda's arrest.
- On February 5, 2026, Xavier Reda was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
The players
Xavier Reda
A 24-year-old Naples man who has been arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty following the death of an 11-week-old Chihuahua puppy named Dixie.
Dixie
An 11-week-old Chihuahua puppy who died from injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
University of Florida Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
The institution that conducted the forensic necropsy on Dixie, revealing injuries inconsistent with an accidental fall.
Naples Police Department
The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and submitted an arrest warrant request.
Office of the State Attorney
The agency that reviewed the arrest warrant request and issued a warrant for Xavier Reda's arrest.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Xavier Reda out on bail.
The takeaway
Cases like this spark significant conversations about animal welfare and the responsibility of pet owners. Increased awareness and stricter enforcement of animal cruelty laws are vital to protecting vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect.
