A Florida man faces animal cruelty and other charges for throwing off a balcony a dog that was trying to protect a teenage girl, authorities say.
On Monday, deputies were dispatched to unincorporated St. Petersburg to arrest 44-year-old Nigel Myers, according to a press release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said earlier in the day, Myers followed a 15-year-old victim into her bedroom, followed her into the living room and tried to get her back into the bedroom.
During the altercation, a 3-year-old pit bull named Sparta tried to protect the victim, the report stated.
Nigel Myers, 44, was arrested on multiple charges. (Courtesy/Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities said Myers slammed Sparta against the dog cage before picking him up by his hind legs and throwing him off the second-floor balcony.
Sparta suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive.
Officials charged Myers with aggravated animal cruelty, and lewd and lascivious conduct, domestic battery and child abuse.
