Alfredo Leon Ruiz, 37, was taken into custody Monday morning on suspicion of animal cruelty for allegedly killing the Chihuahua, which was approximately 10 months to a year and a half old, according to Riverside County Animal Services.
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Animal Services Sgt. Miguel Hernandez went to a property on Arbol Real Avenue about 10 a.m. Monday after getting a report of a dead canine. A sheriff's deputy who was the first on the scene determined that the dog -- a male with tan fur -- had been tossed over a fence and into a backyard at the location.
"The dog was covered in blood and appeared to have large lacerations on its head and chest that appeared to be inflicted with a sharp object," Hernandez said.
A witness reported that the suspect bashed the dog against some sort of object and was seen waving a knife, he said.
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"Life is tough sometimes but if this person did do this -- to cause such terrible harm to a small, defenseless pet, to just snap -- we all know this is not normal behavior," Hernandez said. "I just hope I don't have to see something like this ever again."
Jail records did not immediately reflect Ruiz's arrest. He has no documented felony convictions in Riverside County.