Police arrest man accused of throwing acid on pitbull

Ignacio Sanchez Alvarez, 45, was taken into custody at the home Rosie, a pit bull who was burned with acid, was discovered on the Southeast Side, said Audra Houghton, Animal Care Services Field Operations Supervisor. less Ignacio Sanchez Alvarez, 45, was taken into custody at the home Rosie, a pit bull who was burned with acid, was discovered on the Southeast Side, said Audra Houghton, Animal Care Services Field Operations ... more Photo: Mariah Medina/San Antonio Express-News Photo: Mariah Medina/San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 63 Caption Close Police arrest man accused of throwing acid on pitbull 1 / 63 Back to Gallery

A man accused of pouring acid on Rosie, the 5-year-old pit bull, was arrested Tuesday.

Ignacio Sanchez Alvarez, 45, was taken into custody at the home where the dog was discovered on the Southeast Side, said Audra Houghton, Animal Care Services Field Operations Supervisor.

ACS reported she was found with chemical burns to 100 percent of her face towards the end of July. Her right ear dissolved by a caustic liquid and her left ear partially consumed.

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She was left with possible permanent blindness and had indications she may have gone several weeks with no medical care, officials said.

Alvarez faces a felony charge of cruelty to a non-livestock animal, Houghton said, adding he could face a misdemeanor for animal cruelty of failing to render adequate care.

"This is the suspect in a case we've been investigating for the last week and a half," Houghton said, adding that SAPD property crimes detectives assisted in acquiring an arrest warrant.

Alvarez was living at the home when the dog was discovered, she said.

Police said he attempted to flee when officers went to the home to arrest him.

Houghton said she did not have specifics as to how acid was poured on her face.

"I honestly don't know why he did it," Houghton said, noting the details would be most likely be revealed in court.

Alvarez was quiet as police walked him to a squad car at the East Side Police Station on Tuesday.

Houghton said surgery is planned to help Rosie regain her sight. Until then, she finds her way around by smell.

"We are really grateful for support everyone gave for Rosie, and hope the surgery is successful and she'll see again."

Jbeltran@express-news.net