A Florida man faces animal cruelty and other charges for throwing off a balcony a dog that was trying to protect a teenage girl, authorities say.

On Monday, deputies were dispatched to unincorporated St. Petersburg to arrest 44-year-old Nigel Myers, according to a press release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said earlier in the day, Myers followed a 15-year-old victim into her bedroom, followed her into the living room and tried to get her back into the bedroom.

During the altercation, a 3-year-old pit bull named Sparta tried to protect the victim, the report stated.

Nigel Myers, 44, was arrested on multiple charges. (Courtesy/Pinellas County Sheriff's Office)

Authorities said Myers slammed Sparta against the dog cage before picking him up by his hind legs and th

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