Vets seek owner of abused Chihuahua

Arthur Paul Jewell is a career criminal. His latest conviction was for reckless driving in 2014.

Hillsborough prosecutors say he has two prior convictions of battery in 1995 and 1996. And now Jewell is in trouble again.

This time, prosecutors say his victim was a 5-pound Chihuahua named Dixie.

Dr. Lisa Centonze with Hillsborough County Animal Services is treating Dixie after she arrived in bad shape.

"It's absolutely horrific to take out your anger or whatever your feelings are on an innocent little creature that's never hurt a fly," said Dr. Centonze.

The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office says Jewell attacked Dixie after getting into a disagreement with Dixie's owner, who is homeless.

Dixie was rushed into emergency surgery last week with a bruised abdomen and liver. Doctors weren't able to save her left eye. She had a second round of surgery today to treat a fractured right pelvis.

Dr. Centonze says, despite the pup's injuries, little Dixie is expected to make it.

"She's a tough, sweet little gal, so we were very happy she recovered quite nicely," said Dr. Centonze.

They say Dixie was well cared for and they want to reunite her with her owner if they can find him.

Sadly, a lot of animals are abused like this, and these emergency surgeries are expensive. That's why, this Saturday, the Hillsborough Animal Services is holding a fundraiser cookout from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter.

The money will go to treating injured and abused animals like Dixie.