Authorities in Constanţa County, Romania, have launched an investigation after a 57-year-old man was caught on video tying his dog to his car and forcing the animal to run behind the moving vehicle.
Taken in for Questioning
The disturbing footage, which surfaced on social media, shows the dog tied behind the car, struggling to keep up as the driver moves the vehicle down a street in Năvodari.
The Constanţa County Police Department confirmed on September 23 that they began investigating the incident after the video appeared online, according to Ziare.
"Police officers from the Năvodari Town Police took action after seeing the images in the public domain of a dog tied to a vehicle driving on public roads," authorities said in a statement.
The driver was quickly identified and brought to the Năvodari Police Station for questioning.
Clear Act of Animal Cruelty
In addition to local law enforcement, the Environmental Crime Investigation Service and the Animal Protection Unit were also notified.
Animal welfare experts will examine the dog to determine its condition and advise on potential legal consequences for the man involved.
The viral video, which has sparked outrage online, shows the car initially stationary before it begins moving, forcing the dog to run at a high speed to avoid being dragged.
The public and animal rights groups are closely following the case, with many calling for justice to be served in light of this clear act of animal cruelty.
