NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. (CBS12) — A 69-year-old man is facing charges after being caught on camera dragging his Australian cattle dog behind his pickup truck in North Fort Myers, leaving the dog fighting with severe injuries.
On Friday, Sheriff Carmine Marceno of Lee County announced that deputies received reports of a dog being dragged behind a black F-150 pickup truck at the intersection of Bartholomew Drive and Laurel Lane on Thursday.
According to officials, a concerned citizen witnessed the act, recorded it, confronted the driver, and immediately called 911.
Responding deputies reported finding the truck and stopping it, where they met the suspect, Johnny Lee Davis.
Upon searching the vehicle, detectives said they found blood throughout both the interior and exterior, which they believed belonged to the dog.
Further investigation led deputies to execute a search warrant at Davis’ home, where they found the dog, an Australian cattle dog named Ruthie, suffering from severe injuries.
Ruthie was rescued and received emergency veterinary care from law enforcement and the Lee County Domestic Animal Services.
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Sheriff Marceno shared some good news: despite the grave trauma Ruthie experienced, she is a fighter and is still alive.
**WARNING: Video contains graphic content**
Johnny Davis has been arrested and charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
The sheriff made it clear that such cruelty will not be tolerated in Lee County.
“This case is horrifying and disturbing,” said Sheriff Marceno. “If you abuse an animal in Lee County, there will be consequences.” He assured the public that every resource would be used to seek justice for Ruthie and protect others who cannot speak for themselves.
Regarding Davis’ background, the sheriff confirmed that while he does not have a recent history of animal abuse, if found guilty, he will be placed on the animal abuse registry, preventing him from owning another animal.