Police are searching for a Florida driver who captured on security video dragging a dog behind a pickup truck last Thursday.
Police searching for pickup truck driver for dragging dog
According to WFLA News, the driver dragged a brownish-reddish dog behind near Durant Street and Lakeworth Boulevard. The man is likely of average build and has brown hair. The truck appears to be a 2009-2014 F150 STX extended cab with a ladder rack.
Charlotte County Animal Control is asking the public for assistance in identifying and locating the man, who will likely face charges of animal cruelty.
“It is, is one of the worst videos that’s ever been that I’ve had the displeasure of viewing in 25 years in this department, and really anytime you drag an animal from a vehicle it is a horrendous act and this person really has some explaining to do,” said Brian Jones of Charlotte County Animal Control told NBC affiliate WBBH.
A local resident, Cyndi Hinchey, claims her neighbors witnessed the crime and attempted to catch the man.
“There’s a pile of blood where the dog, where he was confronted by the neighbors and he got out of the vehicle and grabbed the dog and used some profanities and threw the dog in the back of his truck and drove off,” she said.
Another neighbor, Todd Tyler, called 911 to report the crime. Unfortunately, he felt confident that the dog was dead by the time the truck stopped.
“I was crying yesterday because I couldn’t believe that that poor dog, it’s gotta be one of the most brutal, horrific ways to die,” Tyler told WBBH. “I can’t even imagine. That dog just probably loved that guy more than anything.”
If you have information about the truck, the man, or the incident, call Charlotte County Animal Control at 941-833-5690.
Animal cruelty laws in Florida
According to Florida statutes, animal cruelty is a serious charge.
The law reads: “A person who unnecessarily overloads, overdrives, torments, deprives of necessary sustenance or shelter, or unnecessarily mutilates, or kills any animal, or causes the same to be done, or carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, commits animal cruelty, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.”
Read more about dog laws in Florida in our guide.
