Man entrusted with taking care of family member’s dog pulls her in the back of his truck instead
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A Lantana, Florida man was released on $3,000 bail after serving just a few hours in jail for dragging a dog in the back of his truck. The incident happened on the evening of October 9, 2022, on Lantana Road between the Military Trail and Lawrence Road.
The man, identified by officers from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as Lisandro Arellano, 45, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and cruelty to animals.
A shocking and brutal act of betrayal
Blanco, a white French Bulldog, is said to have been assigned to Arellano by a family member. Instead of acting as her caretaker, Arellano chose to tie Blanco’s leash to his pickup truck and ruthlessly pull her by the neck.
The abuse only ended when Arellano was hit by another driver who witnessed the incident. At first, the witness believed it was an honest mistake and that the driver had simply forgotten that he had tied a dog to the bumper of his car. However, when confronted with the driver of the car, Arellano stopped the car, picked up Blanco and roughly threw her under the truck before accelerating.
The quick-thinking driver took a photo of Arellano’s license plate before calling 911.
Depraved indifference
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Arellano said he failed to seek veterinary care on Blanco’s behalf, instead leaving her in pain for days.
The dog is currently in the care of Palm Beach Animal Care & Control, where it is being treated for minor scrapes and bruises on its legs, chest and abdomen. Fortunately, she had no broken bones or internal injuries.
Arellano has agreed to be interviewed by detectives and is ready to transfer Blanco to Animal Care & Control.
What punishment will Arellano face?
Cruelty to animals is a first degree misdemeanor in the state of Florida, punishable by up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. An additional fee of aCruel treatment of animals is a felony in the third degree, punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the driver who witnessed and reported the incident, writing on Facebook:
“PBSO is grateful to the driver who witnessed this barbaric act, photographed the suspect’s license plate and turned it over for us to investigate further. Blanco is receiving treatment and recovering.”
The motive for Arellano’s cruelty to Blanco remains unclear.
