SPRING VALLEY (CNS) — Authorities have identified the person responsible for what they're calling "a horrific act of animal cruelty" in the Spring Valley area of San Diego County.
According to San Diego County Animal Services, at around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, witnesses reported a red and brown Doberman being dragged by a vehicle traveling around 30 mph, which continued for several minutes along Bancroft Drive, near the 9100 block of Edgewood Drive.
Since asking the public for help, officers say a dog owner admitted to the incident after the video aired on television and since gone viral on social media. Animal Control Officers confirmed the dog owners identity after visiting the suspect's residence.
Witnesses said that the dog was flipping over while being dragged, and that the driver appeared to laugh and ignore bystanders as they attempted to rescue the animal.
Due to the extent of the dog's injuries, the animal was euthanized at a veterinary clinic. Officers have taken possession of the dog's remains as evidence for the investigation.
“This is an incredibly sad and disturbing case,” said Vaughn Maurice, director of County Animal Services. “While we are grateful to have identified the person responsible, our hearts break for this dog and what it endured.”
Animal Services is filing charges against the suspect with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
The department released a link to a highly graphic and disturbing video that appeared to show the crime. It can be found here.
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