Two days after an alleged incident of animal cruelty that saw a dog being dragged by its leash by a moving pick-up truck, one day after the clip went viral on social media and a report lodged, Taiping police have confirmed that a suspect has been arrested, and is being investigated.
A 42-second clip showing what appears to be a white colored dog being dragged by a pick-up that continues to speed along went viral on social media, with a report being filed Monday afternoon by a concerned member of the public who was shared a clip of the incident via WeChat. Shortly thereafter, the man suspected to be involved was taken into police custody. The incident occurred in Taiping, Perak, an area three hours outside of Kuala Lumpur.
Officers have revealed that the vehicle’s owner has claimed that it was his father who was driving the car at the time of the incident, and that he was unaware that the dog was still attached to his vehicle. However, some netizens disagree with the version of events, claiming that the clip showed the man first tying the dog, and later dragging the pup.
After speaking to the suspect and his son, Taiping officers have reported that they have claimed that the man was attempting to abandon the dog, who he claimed bit through his house wiring, and that the incident was an accident. The canine had been under the man’s care since it was one year old.
Police are investigating the case as an offense under the Animal Act 1953 for cruelty, while the court of public opinion on social media is decidedly horrified.
