DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Volusia County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a motel today and a woman, apparently under the influence of drugs, exited an adjacent room and threw her dog off the second-floor balcony. The woman, police said was threatened to jump off the balcony herself, which is what prompted the call.
“A woman who threatened to jump off the second floor at a Daytona Beach motel Monday afternoon instead threw her dog over the railing after deputies and police responded to the call,” the department said today.
The dog survived without serious injury, and 35-year-old Allison Murphy (DOB 3/31/1985) was arrested on felony charges of animal cruelty and resisting an officer with violence.
Deputies and Daytona Beach police responded to the Motel 6 at 2992 W. International Speedway Blvd. around noon Monday after motel staff reported that Murphy had been standing over the railing, threatening to jump off, and also attacked one of the maids. When deputies arrived, Murphy was locked inside her room.
After deputies knocked on the door several times, Murphy eventually came out with a leashed German Shepherd, which she picked up and suddenly threw over the railing to the ground. The dog landed feet first and ran away, but was corralled by bystanders. Murphy was immediately taken into custody by deputies and police.
Officers were shocked and stunned, one even calling the woman a “crazy bitch”. Officers and animal control were able to find the dog, and things got even more bizarre. The dog had a sewing needle lodged in her body.
Volusia County Animal Services took custody of the dog and nicknamed her “Miracle,” as no name was provided. She was taken to Atlantic Animal Hospital in Port Orange for emergency evaluation and is now in the care of animal services.
“Thankfully, during her examination, it was determined that Miracle escaped serious injury,” Sheriff Michael Chitwood said in a statement. “However, an X-ray revealed a sewing needle was lodged in her right thigh. Miracle underwent a procedure to safely remove the needle and is currently recovering with Animal Services. A petition for custody over Miracle will be scheduled with the courts in the following weeks.”
Volusia County Animal Services and the Sheriff’s Office continue to work together as partners to save and improve the lives of abused animals. Anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or abuse is encouraged to contact Animal Services at 386-248-1790, or the Sheriff’s Office at 386-248-1777, or 911 in an emergency.