A 64-year-old man was arrested in El Paso County after deputies witnessed a German shepherd puppy fall from the bed of a moving pickup truck near Horizon City, according to authorities.
The incident happened Saturday, Oct. 3, when deputies were traveling in the area of the 400 block of South Darrington Road. They saw the puppy unsecured in the bed of a Chevrolet Silverado as the truck headed north.
While the pickup was moving, the puppy fell from the truck and struck the pavement and a concrete sidewalk. Deputies stopped to help the animal and found that it had visible injuries and was showing signs of pain after the fall.
The incident prompted an animal cruelty investigation. Deputies later identified the driver as Victor Martinez, 64.
Martinez was arrested and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals. He was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility, where his bond was set at $6,000.
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said the incident highlights the responsibility pet owners have when transporting animals. He stressed that pets rely on people for their safety and should not be placed in situations where they can be seriously injured.
The sheriff’s office also reminded pet owners to secure animals properly when traveling in a vehicle. Keeping a pet restrained or otherwise safely contained can help prevent falls, injuries and other dangers while a vehicle is moving.
The case remains an animal cruelty matter following the deputy’s observations and the subsequent investigation.
