SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. (Gray News) – Criminal charges have been filed in California against the driver who was seen dragging his dog by its leash behind a vehicle.
San Diego County Animal Services said the driver, who was not initially publicly identified, admitted to officials that he was the individual seen on the July 2 video dragging his Doberman behind a Jeep Cherokee at approximately 30 miles per hour.
Witnesses told investigators that the dog was flipping over while being dragged and the suspect appeared to be laughing as he continued driving for several minutes.
“This is an incredibly sad and disturbing case,” Vaughn Maurice, director of San Diego County Animal Services’ director, said. “While we are grateful to have identified the person responsible, our hearts break for this dog and what it endured.”
GRAPHIC: Some may find this video disturbing.
Good Samaritans tried to stop the Jeep, but the driver ignored them, according to county animal services officials.
According to animal services officials, the dog was euthanized by veterinarians due to the seriousness of the injuries, but evidence was preserved for the investigation before the animal was cremated.
Charges are being filed against the animal abuse suspect with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
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