FLORIDA — A 61-year-old man was arrested after police say witnesses saw him dragging and kicking a puppy while riding a bicycle in DeLand.
According to the DeLand Police Department, the incident happened Wednesday near the intersection of West New York Avenue and Stone Street.
Witnesses told police they saw Richard Howley pulling a small black puppy behind his bicycle. The leash reportedly became tangled on the bike, and the puppy struggled to keep up with the speed.
One witness said the puppy fell, and Howley got off the bike and began kicking and hitting the dog in the head and side. The witness said they confronted Howley and told him to stop, but he continued striking the animal.
Police say multiple people tried to intervene, but Howley refused to stop and would not allow anyone to give the puppy food or water.
When officers confronted him, Howley reportedly told them he was “training” the puppy, according to the arrest report.
Authorities said the dog had no visible injuries, but it yelped when its side was touched. The puppy was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment.
Howley was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty. Jail records show he is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $5,000 bond.
