A dog owner was arrested after dragging his dog behind his truck for half a mile on Saturday in Cottonwood, authorities said. 

Destry Lynn McClure, 52, was booked into the Yavapai County Detention Center on charges of animal cruelty and driving under the influence. 

Shortly after 5 p.m. officers responded to a witness report that a man was dragging a dog on the street, said Sgt. Monica Kuhlt, a Cottonwood Police Department spokeswoman. 

Police came into contact with McClure and discovered Leia, his 4-year-old Chihuahuha, had been dragged for about half a mile. 

McClure told police he had forgotten she was “back there,” Kuhlt said. 

Leia was immediately taken to a local veterinary office to be treated for her injuries, which appear mostly to consist of road rash, she said.

Initial assessment, Kuhlt said, didn’t indicate Leia sustained any internal injuries or broken bones. 

“I’m amazed little Leia survived being dragged on pavement for approximately half a mile let alone appears to only have suffered road rash injuries”, said Kuhlt. “I also want to thank the witnesses who saw this and acted so quickly.”

Leia will remain at the vet for the next 24 to 48 hours. 

 

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