This man should be in chains.
A violent Florida man is facing animal cruelty charges after he allegedly threw his pet Chihuahua, Raven, off a balcony “like a football,” authorities said Tuesday.
Dalton Chad Souza, 30, of Fort Myers, allegedly threw the 3-year-old dog off a balcony on Sunday, causing multiple fractures including a broken leg and a fractured lower jaw. Lee County Sheriff's Facebook postoffice.
“It is always unfortunate to learn of innocent animals being mistreated by trusted owners,” Sheriff Carmine Marceno said in a statement.
“I will continue to do my part to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves,” he said. “Acts of violence and cruelty towards animals have no place in Lee County, and this suspect will pay the price for this abhorrent crime.”
Police learned of the incident after responding to Blue Pearl Animal Hospital for a report of an injured dog and finding Raven bruised and abused.
The dog's owner claims a “friend” dumped Raven, but left him at a vet's office after getting into an argument with staff, which resulted in the sheriff's office being called.
Police tracked down Sousa and charged him with animal cruelty on Monday.
Raven, seen in heartbreaking photos with a cast on his front leg and a neck brace, is being treated by veterinarians and is expected to make a full recovery, officials said.
Souza is being held in the Lee County Jail on $5,000 bail, records show.
