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Case #12026 Rating: 2.8 out of 5
Puppy thrown from 2nd story, tossed in dumpster
Irving, TX (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Aug 1, 2007
County: Dallas
Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 3 files available
Defendant/Suspect: Michael Charles Soto
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Witnesses say the puppy was tossed from a second-floor apartment window, then thrown into a trash dumpster to die. Amazingly Annie, a 4-month-old Brindle Pit Bull mix, endured the torture and survived.
"This is obviously just total animal cruelty," said Jonnie England, of Operation Kindness.
Today, Annie is safe, but not before residents at an apartment complex saw something that was almost unbelievable.
"Someone witnessed her being thrown from the second story of an apartment complex in Irving, then kicked down a short flight of steps, and then thrown into a dumpster," England said.
Irving Animal Services removed Annie as well as another dog and cat from that apartment. The dog is now on the road to recovery.
Workers at Operation Kindness say Annie had injuries that revealed a saga of abuse. Last week, the dog underwent major hip surgery. "To me that says very clearly that she's been kicked, thrown, probably repeatedly in her short life," England explained.
England says there are signs the puppy was loved, such as her painted toenails. Despite her ordeal, veterinarian Melissa Cortiaus says the puppy is affectionate. "She seems like she'd be very playful and very sweet and loving. She was trying to give me kisses when I was examining her."
Officials with Irving Animal Services say they know who abused Annie and officers are investigating.
Annie has a respiratory infection and physical therapy to overcome before she finds a new home. Veterinarians say the puppy should be available for adoption in about four to six weeks.
Case UpdatesA 24-year-old Irving man admitted in court Monday morning to throwing his pit bull puppy down two flights of stairs.
Under a plea agreement, Michael Charles Soto will receive a three-year prison sentence for the crime.
Soto was arrested in August 2007 after witnesses said they saw him kick Annie, his four-month-old puppy, several times and then throw the dog down two flights of stairs.
He then tossed the dog into a nearby Dumpster, said Lt. Richard Gilmette, an Irving police spokesman.
The puppy was taken to Irving Animal Services where she underwent hip surgery, but she died from complications two months later, said Jonnie England, director of animal advocacy for the Metroplex Animal Coalition.
"It's absolutely unconscionable," England said. "She was a puppy. She was not housebroken, and her owner got mad at having to clean up messses in the apartment, and did this simply in a rage."
Soto was charged with felony animal cruelty, punishable by two to 10 years in prison.
"We're so grateful that this has been prosecuted and investigated and now this person is going to prison for his crimes," England said. | Source: WFAA - Aug 11, 2008
Update posted on Aug 11, 2008 - 6:06PM |
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