A 25-year-old man is facing animal cruelty charges after a dog was allegedly thrown from an apartment balcony in Toronto, police say.

Officers arrived at a high-rise building located in Toronto’s east end on Monday, after receiving a call about an animal in distress.

Upon arrival, officers found a female beagle, believed to be two years old, with “obvious” signs of injury in front of an apartment building, Det. Matthew Wighton told CTV Toronto.

Officers allege the dog’s owner took the beagle for a walk, and returned home. Then, police say, the accused allegedly threw her over a seventh-floor balcony.

The dog later died.

Wighton said a “passerby” found the dog outside the building and neighbours tried to come to her aid. He said, as they were doing that, it is alleged the accused male came out on his balcony and “had an interaction” with the people.

The investigation is ongoing, Wighton added.

On Tuesday, there was a small memorial outside the building where the dog died.

One woman said it was upsetting to see the dog lying on the ground. “I’ve been crying all night,” she said. “It’s so sad.”

The suspect made a brief court appearance on Tuesday. He will remain in police custody, and is expected to make another court appearance on Wednesday.

With files from CTV Toronto