A US teenager has been arrested after dragging his dog down a street in Nashville, Tennessee. The Pit bull had a chain around its neck and was being kicked while dragged for almost a mile and a half (2,4 kilometers).
The three-year-old male dog was taken to the Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) facility for treatment. Its nose was cut, its eyes were bloodshot and its paws injured. However, it is expected to make a full recovery.
The incident was reported by a driver who witnessed the incident.
“It had a chain on its neck and he was dragging it, dragging the dog, and the dog wouldn't walk so he was kicking the dog in the face,” she told Tennessee TV Channel WKRN.
“The dog still wouldn't walk. He dragged this dog for almost a mile and a half, just dragging it, and I told him I would call the police. I could not approach him, young people these days, you don't know they might have guns or whatever, I just knew I had to call the police because I didn't like it at all. It is horrible, hurt my feelings, he would actually do that to the dog it is just an animal, why would you do that?"
The teenager responsible is 17-years-old and is charged with aggravated animal cruelty. When questioned by authorities, he admitted to the abuse.
MACC Investigator Ashley Harrington told WKRN that youth needed to be educated on how to handle animals.
David Barritt, chief campaigner for Network for Animals (NFA) said he was appalled by the inhumane act.
“If this young man felt nothing when deliberately abusing this dog, how will he deal with humans in future, especially those who upset him. Violence is never an option. He needs proper help and guidance,” he says.
“We are just glad that this poor animal survived, but we remain concerned about how he will react to humans in future. We appeal to Nashville authorities to ensure a harsh sentence for this cruel act. This is the time for law enforcement to set an example to other animal abusers.”
