San Diego

3-Month-Old Puppy Thrown Against Wall Looking for Forever Home

The suspect who threw the puppy against a wall faces one count of felony animal cruelty

A 3-month-old Maltese puppy thrown against the wall by a previous owner is now available for adoption and looking for a forever home, county officials announced. 

The young dog named Rory was thrown against the wall of a home, leaving his hind leg broken. 

Animal Control officers said the suspect was punishing the dog for having an accident. When the suspect pushed the dog's face into the mess, the puppy bit him.

Once bitten, the man reacted by tossing the dog, Animal Control officers said. 

"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, in a statement.

Animal Control investigators have submitted a criminal case against the suspect to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office for one count of felony animal cruelty, said county officials. If convicted, the suspect could face up to a year in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both.

On July 25, the dog was taken to the animal care facility on Gaines Street. Once his injury was discovered, County Animal Services used the Spirit Fund, which is driven by donations, to pay for his medical treatment.

A veterinary specialty hospital attached a metal plate on the dog's broken leg, to help the bones mend, said county officials.

Rory needs physical therapy and strict exercise restrictions for at least the next six weeks, said County Animal Service officials. After six weeks, he will need X-rays to determine if further treatment is necessary.

Caretakers described Rory as a sweet and friendly puppy, despite suffering from abuse.

If you'd like to adopt Rory, submit a special adoption application to County Animal Services. They will keep accepting applications until Wednesday, Aug. 9.

The applications can be mailed or dropped off at any of the County's three shelters from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Or, you can email dasinfo@sdcounty.ca.gov or fax (619) 767-2706.

County Animal Services will select the top three candidates and they'll be invited to meet Rory.

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