FORT MYERS, Fla. — A man was arrested after he threw a three-year-old chihuahua off a motel balcony, breaking many of her bones.
Lee County Sheriff's detectives responded to the Blue Pearl Animal Hospital in reference to an injured dog on Sunday. They learned a man dropped off the dog named Raven at the hospital and told staff she was thrown off a balcony "like a football" by a friend, according to a Facebook post by the sheriff's office.
The man got into a verbal altercation with the veterinarian before leaving his dog behind at the hospital.
“It is always disappointing to learn of an innocent animal abused by an owner they trust. I will continue to do my part to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves," said Sheriff Carmine Marceno in the post. "Violent and abusive behavior towards an animal will NOT be tolerated in Lee County. This suspect will now pay the price for this disgusting crime."
Raven suffered from multiple fractures including a broken leg and mandible. In a photo from the sheriff's office, the small black dog is seen with a cone around her neck and a blue cast on her leg.
Detectives tracked down the owner who provided detective information that led them to 30-year-old Dalton Sousa. He was arrested Monday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, deputies said.
Raven is still at the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.
