Woman arrested after throwing dog off hotel balcony, authorities say

A 35-year-old Florida woman was arrested Monday afternoon after threatening to jump from a second-story Daytona Beach motel room but instead threw a dog off the balcony.

The dog landed on its feet and was not seriously injured, according to Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

Allison Murphy was arrested following the incident and faces charges of animal cruelty and resisting an officer with violence, said VCSO’s spokesman Andrew Gant.

Deputies and Daytona Beach police responded to a call in reference to a woman threatening to jump from the second floor of her Motel 6 located at 2992 W. International Speedway Boulevard, Gant said.

Deputies arrived at Murphy’s room and knocked at her door several times before she eventually came out with a German shepherd on a leash, Gant said.

After answering the door, Murphy proceeded to throw the dog off the balcony.

The dog luckily landed on its feet and ran away. Bystanders corralled the dog to safety until Volusia County Animal Services arrived and assumed care. As the dog was unidentified, VCAS staff named the dog “Miracle.” VCAS took Miracle to Atlantic Animal Hospital in Port Orange for emergency evaluation.

An X-ray revealed a sewing needle lodged in her right thigh. The needle was removed and Miracle is currently recovering in the care of VCAS.

A petition for custody over Miracle will be scheduled with the courts in the following weeks, Gant said.

VOLUSIACOUNTYSHERIFF’S OFFICE A German Shepherd, Miracle, after surviving having been thrown from a second-story motel balcony Monday afternoon.