Puppy suffers broken leg for days inside dumpster after man allegedly drops her down trash chute

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - A San Francisco man was arrested Friday on animal cruelty charges for allegedly dropping a puppy three stories down a garbage chute where she lay in a dumpster for days before someone found her, prosecutors said.

Ronald Jones, 59, was charged for the cruel mistreatment of a four-month-old Chihuahua mix that needed her leg amputated due to the severity of her injuries. Prosecutors say Jones released the dog down the chute of a large apartment complex on Otis and McCoppin streets last month.

The dog remained in the dumpster dehydrated with a severely broken leg for four days. By the time she was in a veterinarian's care, they determined the success rate of surgically repairing the leg was not high and they instead amputated it.

No motive has been released for the shocking act.

"The level of callousness alleged is stunningly atrocious," said District Attorney George Gascón. "A person who would cause this degree of harm to a defenseless dog should not be allowed to have any animal in their care."

Animal Care and Control officers executed a search warrant and obtained surveillance footage which led to identifying Jones as a suspect.

The small pup, who was named "Rocky" by ACC officers for surviving four days with no food or water, is recovering in the foster care of a staff member. She will be adopted by one of the investigating officers once she recovers.

"I am pleased that the diligent work by ACC's animal control officers has led to an arrest in this appalling case," said Animal Care and Control Executive Director Virginia Donohue. "We will not tolerate animal abuse in San Francisco."

Jones appeared in court Friday where he entered a not guilty plea. He's scheduled to be back in court March 28.