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‘Like a Football’: Man accused of throwing dog over apartment balcony

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man who stands accused of animal cruelty after throwing a dog over an apartment balcony.

Deputies arrested Dalton Chad Sousa, 30, on Monday after they tracked him down following a report called from the Blue Pearl Animal Hospital in reference to an injured dog the day before.

According to LCSO, the pet hospital reported that a man dropped off a 3-year-old chihuahua, stating she had been thrown off an apartment balcony “like a football” by a friend.

Deputies reported that the man verbally argued with the veterinarian before leaving Blue Pearl and the dog behind.

The chihuahua, named Raven, sustained multiple fractures, including a broken leg and mandible.

An investigation led deputies to the residence of the dog’s owner in Fort Myers, who was able to give detectives details that led them to the accused.

Sousa was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

“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 defend themselves,” said Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

Raven is in the care of Blue Pearl Hospital and is expected to recover fully.

Sousa is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Correction: Sousa is not the dog’s owner. An earlier report indicated Sousa was the dog’s owner.

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