**Warning-story contains graphic images that some viewers may find disturbing**
A Lantana, Florida man is out on $3,000 bail after spending mere hours in jail for dragging a dog behind his truck. The incident occurred on the evening of October 9, 2022, on Lantana Road between Military Trail and Lawrence Road.
The man, identified by officers from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as 45-year-old Lisandro Arellano, is charged with aggravated animal cruelty and cruelty towards animals.
A Shocking and Brutal Act of Betrayal
Blanco, a white French Bulldog, is said to have been entrusted to Arellano by a family member. Instead of acting as her caretaker, Arellano chose to tie Blanco’s leash to his pickup truck and cruelly drag her by the neck.
The abuse only came to an end when Arellano was flagged down by another motorist who witnessed the incident. At first, the witness believed it was an honest mistake and that the driver simply forgot he had a dog tied to his bumper. However, when confronted by the motorist, Arellano stopped the vehicle, picked up Blanco, and roughly threw her into the bed of the truck before speeding off.
The quick-thinking motorist snapped a photo of Arellano’s license plate before calling 911.
Depraved Indifference
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said Arellano failed to seek veterinary care on Blanco’s behalf, instead leaving her to suffer in pain for days.
The dog is now under the care of Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control, where she is receiving treatment for minor scrapes and bruises to her legs, chest, and belly. Luckily, she did not sustain any fractures or internal injuries.
Arellano did agree to be interviewed by detectives and willingly turned Blanco over to Animal Care & Control.
What Penalties Will Arellano Face?
Cruelty to animals is a first-degree misdemeanor in the state of Florida, carrying a punishment of up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000. The additional charge of aggravated animal cruelty is a felony of the third degree punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude to the motorist who witnessed and reported the incident, writing on Facebook:
“PBSO is grateful for the motorist who witnessed this heinous act, took a picture of the suspect’s license plate and turn it over for us to investigate further. Blanco is being treated and recovering.”
The motive for Arellano’s heinous cruelty towards Blanco remains unclear.
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