Dog Dies After Being Pulled Behind Vehicle At High Speed In Pasco

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — A New Port Richey man told Pasco County deputies Tuesday that he dragged his dog behind his vehicle "because he does not have AC and thought it would be too hot for him (the dog) inside the car."

Pasco deputies were contacted by witnesses after seeing 65-year-old Arlow Lorenzo Phillips Jr. "driving erratically, speeding and dragging a pitbull dog behind a vehicle" along U.S. 19 on Thursday, Aug. 10. They told deputies they heard the dog howling as he was being dragged at a high speed along the road.

A deputy called to the scene reported seeing Phillips’ vehicle and the dog lying dead in the road in a pool of blood at the intersection of Manor Drive and U.S. 19. The dog's leash was attached to the rear passenger door and the dog has severe injuries from road rash.

After deputies interviewed Phillips again on Tuesday, Pasco County Sheriff's Public Information Officer Britney Morris said Phillips was arrested Tuesday and charged with animal cruelty and driving without a license. He has been released from jail on bond.