Authorities have arrested an Arizona man for dragging his dog behind his truck for about a half of a mile.
Cottonwood police said they were called to the area of 10th and Main streets around 5 p.m. Saturday. Investigators learned a man had dragged his 4-year-old Chihuahua behind his truck from Riverfront Park to the intersection, which covers about a half-mile stretch.
The dog, named Leia, was taken to a veterinary office where it was examined. A new release from the police department says the dog appeared to suffer road rash, but did not seem to have any broken bones or other internal injuries. The dog will remain at the vet for at least the next 24 hours, police said.
Officers suspected the driver of the truck, 52-year-old Destry McClure, was under the influence of alcohol and possibly prescription medication. He was booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center on a felony charge of animal cruelty and driving under the influence, a misdemeanor. Authorities said additional charges are possible pending the test results of a sample of McClure's blood.
While being interviewed, Cottonwood police said McClure told officers he forgot the dog was behind his truck.
