A Florida woman was arrested after surveillance footage captured her roughly handling a small dog, leaving it injured.

According to the sheriff, a surveillance operator spotted a woman, identified as Imania Davis, carrying a small puppy across the street before suddenly throwing it onto the ground. The frightened puppy ran back toward her, but witnesses say she handled the animal roughly several more times. Authorities said she then picked up the puppy again and threw it once more, sending it several feet away.

The puppy was left with a serious leg injury.

The operator immediately notified dispatch, and deputies responded to the scene and arrested Davis. She faces six counts of aggravated animal cruelty and is being held on a $75,000 bond.

Deputies transported the injured dog to an emergency veterinary facility, where it underwent surgery. The one-year-old male Maltese is now recovering at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and is expected to be placed up for adoption once fully healed.

Investigators said ownership of the puppy has not been established, and it may have been a stray in the area.

During the press conference, Chronister emphasized that the dog showed no signs of aggression and appeared to be seeking attention. He also noted the suspect has a prior history of violent behavior, including arrests for battery.

Authorities said multiple people were present in the area, described as a busy mobile home park, but no bystanders intervened or contacted authorities. Instead, the incident was reported by a sheriff’s office operator monitoring the camera system, which is visible in the area and intended to deter crime.

“This is a vulnerable animal that could not defend itself,” Chronister said, adding that cases involving animals, children, or the elderly are especially concerning due to their vulnerability.

Officials credited the Real Time Crime Center operator for taking immediate action, which led to the dog’s rescue and the suspect’s arrest.

Source: New York Post