Doberman dragged at 'disturbing' high speeds tied to Jeep dies, driver may face charges

USA Today

08-07-2025

Prosecutors are weighing criminal charges against a man after video captured a large dog tied by a rope to a Jeep being dragged down a South California highway as the driver reportedly reached speeds of at least 30 mph.
The horrific incident took place on July 2 and a veterinarian later had to euthanize the dog, the County of San Diego Communications Office released in a statement online.
Disturbing video of the fatal incident shows a man behind the wheel of a black Jeep driving at a high rate of speed through a busy neighborhood in Spring Valley, an inland community about 10 miles northeast of downtown San Diego.
In the footage, a large black-and-tan Doberman Pincher is tethered to a rope attached to the Jeep's tow hitch and is seen flipping back and forth along the roadway in the video as the vehicle drives at high rate of speed and other cars zoom by.
Video shot by an unidentified drier behind the Jeep shows the Doberman being dragged for an unspecified time as the vehicle swerved along the roadway.
According to the footage, it does not appear anyone else was in the Jeep with the driver.
It was not immediately known how long the Jeep's driver dragged the animal and where the vehicle stopped.
Dog's owner 'was indeed the individual seen driving the truck in video'
San Diego County Animal Services, in a July 4 news release on Facebook, announced it identified the suspect responsible for "the horrific incident."
"We want to thank the media and everyone in the community who shared this story and provided information," Animal Service wrote in its release. "Your efforts were instrumental in helping us identify the individual involved and move toward justice for this innocent animal."
"After seeing video coverage of the incident on television, the dog's owner contacted County Animal Services and admitted that it was his truck and his dog involved," San Diego County officials posted in a news release in connection to the July 2 incident. "Animal Control Officers responded to the suspect's residence and confirmed that he was indeed the individual seen driving the truck in the video."
According to the release, Animal Service planned to request charges be filed against the suspect with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.
Officials have not released the driver's identity because he has not yet been charged with a crime.
"This is an incredibly sad and disturbing case," Vaughn Maurice, director of San Diego County Animal Services' director, told WCJB-TV. "While we are grateful to have identified the person responsible, our hearts break for this dog and what it endured."
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Charges not yet filed against man accused of dragging Doberman
As of July 8, San Diego County District Attorney Assistant Director of Communications Tanya Sierra said no charges had been filed against the driver.
"Once the Department of Animal Services provides the results of their investigation to us, we will review it for potential criminal charges based on the facts and the evidence," Sierra told USA TODAY.
Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call San Diego County Animal Services at 619-236-2341.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [e-mail] and follow her on X @nataliealund.