A 3-month-old Maltese puppy is recuperating at County Animal Services after he was thrown against the wall of a home, breaking his hind leg.
Animal Control officers say the puppy was being punished for having an accident. When the suspect pushed the dog’s face into the mess, the puppy bit him. Officers say the man responded by throwing the puppy.
“Any pet can have an accident in the home, but pushing the animal’s face into it, much less throwing a puppy against a wall is a totally unacceptable response,” said County Animal Services Director Dan DeSousa.
The dog was brought into the animal care facility on Gaines Street on July 25. After the injury was found, County Animal Services used the donation-driven Spirit Fund to pay for his care. A veterinary specialty hospital attached a metal plate on to the dog’s broken leg so it could heal. The pup, named Rory by shelter staff, will need physical therapy and strict exercise restrictions for at least the next six weeks. Further care will depend upon X-rays taken after that six weeks.
Despite his injury, caretakers describe the puppy as sweet and friendly. County Animal Services is taking special adoption applications now through Wednesday, Aug. 9. They can be mailed or dropped off in person at any of the County’s three shelters from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. They can also be emailed to dasinfo@sdcounty.ca.gov or faxed to (619) 767-2706. Staff will evaluate the applications, select the top three candidates and they’ll be invited to meet with Rory. From there, Animal Services will select a new family for the pup.
Meanwhile, Animal Control investigators have prepared a criminal case against the suspect and submitted it to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for one count of felony animal cruelty. If convicted, the suspect could face a year in prison, a $20,000 fine or both.
The Spirit Fund has helped many animals like Rory over the years. If you’d like to help, visit County Animal Services website.
