Investigators requesting animal cruelty charges against driver accused of dragging dog

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Animal Control Officer Todd Stosuy and CHP Officer Navigio Quinones are requesting that the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office file animal cruelty charges against a pet owner accused of dragging a dog by her leash.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter said the Schnauzer jumped out of the window of a moving vehicle last week and was dragged by her leash for a half mile.

Initially, the owner of the dog was arrested on a DUI charge.

The shelter said the case is difficult because the owner did not intentionally hurt his dog, but investigators believe driving under the influence led to an inability to make sure his dog was safe. They believe it prevented him from noticing the dog was in distress and caused "needless suffering."

The request will be under California Penal Code 597, which says that a person with an animal who subjects it to needless suffering is guilty of cruelty to animals.