Man Drags Dog Tied to Bumper of Truck
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FAIRPORT, Iowa — A man tied his dog to the bumper of his truck and dragged it for nearly two miles at speeds as high as 55 mph, police said.
Tippy, a 2-year-old black Pekingese, survived, although its side and paws had been rubbed raw by the pavement and its face was bloody. A veterinarian said the animal will need surgery but did not elaborate.
The owner, Merlin John Laing, 46, was charged with animal neglect, drunk driving and an open-container violation.
“The only thing he had the nerve to say was it was the dog’s fault for not alerting him that he was tied back there, if you can believe that,” said Sgt. Steve Lawrence.
Laing expressed remorse Monday. He said he chained Tippy to the bumper while the family was at a recreational area.
“You know how you can forget sometimes,” he said.
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