Crimes against animals are considered especially heinous in today’s society, even more so than crimes against humans it seems.
And for most Americans, crimes against dogs are the worst kind of animal cruelty.
And this Florida man got arrested for one unspeakable act on a tiny Chihuahua that left the dog broken and battered.
He is not going to get away with it
The local sheriff’s department is not going to let the alleged dog abuser get away with his heinous actions.
The chihuahua abuse resulted in detectives from Florida’s Lee County Sheriff’s Office being called to the Blue Pearl Animal Hospital.
Upon arrival, they discovered a severely beaten chihuahua.
The bruised and battered Chihuahua named Raven had multiple broken bones and other severe injuries.
“Detectives learned a man dropped off 3-year-old Raven, stating she had been thrown off a balcony ‘like a football’ by a friend,” the Lee County Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page.
The post also pointed out that, “The man got into a verbal altercation with the veterinarian before leaving Blue Pearl and his dog behind.”
But the man did not stay anonymous for long.
“LCSO detectives worked around the clock and located the owner with the assistance of the Real Time Intelligence Center,” the LCSO wrote. “The owner was able to provide detectives with information that led us to the suspect, Dalton Chad Sousa.”
Just one day after Raven was admitted to the animal hospital, authorities arrested the 30-year-old Sousa.
Sousa has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
Immediately following the arrest, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno let it be known to everyone where he stood on the crime.
He is gonna pay the price
“It is always disappointing to learn of an innocent animal abused by an owner they trust,” Marceno said.
Then, the clearly angry sheriff said: “I will continue to do my part 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.”
LCSO posted a photo of the dog showing Raven with a cast, IV lines, and a cone-type medical collar.
The dog is listed as having multiple fractures, a broken mandible (jawbone), and a broken leg.
Under Florida law, if convicted of aggravated animal cruelty Sousa could be sentenced to up to five years and prison.
He is also facing fines of up to $10,000.
But some are saying this is not nearly enough for Sousa’s violent actions.
And many others are wondering if charges will be brought against the dog’s owner who seemingly allowed his friend to throw the dog off the balcony.
But, as of the writing of this article, there is no word on whether police will charge Raven’s owner with anything, or if Raven will be released back into his custody.
Meanwhile, Raven continues to recover and remains in the animal hospital.
