The dog was dragged behind the car on Socal street. The driver said it was an accident, officials said
Authorities recently announced that a man crossed the streets of eastern San Diego County and dragged his tumbling and helpless dog behind a sporty car created a passion that the defendant handed over himself.
Joseph Holland, a 58-year-old temporary worker, was identified on July 3, without San Diego County officials publishing graphic videos publicly and posting them on social media and local television news.
Vaughn Maurice, director of animal services at San Diego County, said the Netherlands was booked. He said the case had been forwarded to the county district attorney's office.
“This is an incredibly sad and disturbing case,” Morris said in a statement. “While we are happy to identify the person responsible, our hearts are for the dog and its endurance.”
Tanya Sierra, assistant director of communications at San Diego County District Attorney, said the case is still under investigation. Meanwhile, DA’s office will not “speculate whether the charges are to be filed or what might be.”
A representative from the Netherlands did not comment.
Video of a rear car shows a red-brown Doberman Pinscher who was later euthanized and dragged behind an older black Jeep Cherokee SUV at around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday
According to San Diego County Animal Services, the dog rolls, flips and falls as the vehicle travels about 30 miles per hour along Edgewood Drive.
Witnesses told investigators that the animal was dragged to the other street for several minutes and bystanders failed to stop the vehicle.
Even though the video clearly shows the SUV's license plate, it's still difficult for investigators to identify the driver, because the vehicle may have been owned by another person.
Investigators took an unexpected break when the dog's owner contacted the animal service Thursday to confirm he was a driver.
Maurice said he was “very surprised” by this given the nature of the “really terrifying” video.
Animal control personnel arrived at their home in the Netherlands to confirm his identity. Holland told them he had just been euthanized at a veterinary clinic.
“He told us it was a horrible accident,” Morris said.
Police rushed to the veterinary office to preserve the remains so that the dog could be cremated.
Maurice said the Netherlands told authorities that he stationed his car in a nearby park and tied the dog to the back of the car with a restroom.
He then returned to the SUV and said he forgot that he was still restricted when he drove.
“We want to thank everyone in the media and community who share this story and provide information,” Morris said. “Your efforts help us identify the individuals involved and move justice towards justice for this innocent animal.”
