Florida Man Arrested For Throwing Dog "Like a Football" Off Balcony

Credit: Lee County Sheriff's Office 

FORT MYERS, Florida - A Florida man was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after allegedly throwing a 3-year-old Chihuahua off a balcony, resulting in multiple fractures. 

"It is always disappointing to learn of an innocent animal abused by an owner they trust. I will continue to stand up for those who cannot protect themselves. 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, said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno.  

On Sunday, September 8th, the Lee County Sheriff's Office detectives responded to a call from Blue Pearl Animal Hospital. The hospital had received the injured Chihuahua, named Raven, who was dropped off by her owner. The ownerallegedly laimed that Raven had been thrown off a balcony "like a football" by a friend. However, before leaving the hospital, the owner got into a verbal altercation with the veterinary staff and allegedly abandoned the dog.

Raven suffered multiple serious injuries, including a broken leg and a fractured jaw. Lee County detectives, with the help of the Real Time Intelligence Center, worked diligently to track down the owner. The information they gathered led them to the suspect, 40-year-old Dalton Chad Sousa of Fort Myers.

Credit: Lee County Sheriff's Office

Sousa was arrested on Monday and charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Raven is currently in the care of Blue Pearl Animal Hospital, where she is expected to make a full recovery.