4 Month Old Chihuahua Dragged Behind Truck
Pompeyo Lopez Morales was charged Wednesday with animal cruelty for dragging 4 month old Bugsy, a tiny Chihuahua puppy.
Morales says he was so tired from work that he forgot the puppy was tied to his truck when he left and if not for some passers-by flagging down the truck, Bugsy would have lost alot more then a great deal of skin, which is horrible enough!
[Then to make matters even worse,] Morales refused to take the dog to a veterinarian, witnesses told investigators. A woman offered to take the dog to the vet herself and Morales agreed.
Candace Stordahl, animal control supervisor at the Escambia County Animal Shelter, said the dog, which is being called Bugsy, was “scared to death but in stable condition” Thursday morning.
“He is a little out of it because of the pain medication,” she said. “But I think he will recover nicely.” (Pensacola News Journal)
Bugsy is hurt pretty badly.
He is now being cared for at a local vets office and then he will most likely come to the Escambia County Animal Shelter for adoption.
And his owner says he’s going to try to get him back.
This puppy is a fighter. The dragging took away a lot of his skin, but not his spirit.
Vet: ” He’s stable, but he’s on pain meds. I’m expecting a full recovery it’s just going to take time.”
Animal Control director Candace Strodahl says it’s one of the worst abuse cases she’s ever seen.
Strodahl: “To be dragged behind a car is intentional and I think it’s just horrible.”
Deputies say, Pompeyo Lopez Morales, is the man behind the abuse. Morales is Bugsy’s owner and he was arrested on animal cruelty charges at his home on Seminole Trail Wednesday night.
Deputy: “I’m looking for Pompeo, is he here, No he’s at work.”
Morales has been released from jail on bond. His dad Pedro says his son isn’t an abusive man, he simply forgot the dog was tied to the truck.
Morales’ father: “He’s very nervous and I don’t believe he was able to sleep last night, because when he said what do I do now.”
His dad says, once his son knew the dog was hurt he was going to take him to a vet, but first he had to clean-up.
Father: “He said he was going to take a shower cause he was dirty.”
Deputies say Morales had no plans of caring for the dog and that’s why he was arrested.
Pedro Morales says his son hopes the dog recovers soon.
Father: “Does he want the dog back, yes.”
Neighbor: “I think it’s horrible and disgusting.”
Carol MacDonald lives near the family. She says the dog has no business going back to the home.
Neighbor: “I hope the poor baby gets adopted to somebody that really loves him and takes care of him.”
Vet: “We’ve had a lot of outcry and lots of concern about whats going to happen to the little fellow.”
Animal Control officers say hundreds of people have called about Bugsy.
He will be available for adoption in a few weeks, but only to a family that can cover his medical bills.
Officers say it’s very unlikely Morales will be able to get the dog back… (WEAR TV)
What a sad story and how horrible for that poor little puppy! Thanks goodness for the people who stepped in and saved the dog’s life.
As for Morales, why did he tie the puppy to the truck in the first place? How long had the little dog been languishing there while he was working? And how do you just forget a tiny little puppy who I would think would have been barking and jumping for joy at the return of his master? Just some points to ponder as we can be thankful Bugsy escaped with his life.
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Does anyone know which vet this was? I want to contact them about adopting the dog… Any leads would help. thanks.
Brianne,
It would probably be best to contact the shelter.
Escambia County Animal Shelter
200 West Fairfield Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32501
Main Phone: 850-595-3075
Fax: 850-595-3081
Email the Animal Control Manager: Candace Stordahl – candace_stordahl@co.escambia.fl.us.
I would expect they have already had quite a number of people contact them but it certainly can’t hurt. The poor baby certainly needs a good home.
To say that I am beyond upset, disgusted, and heart broken after hearing this sad story is an understatement! Besides the obvious on wishing “bugsy” a speedy and complete recovery physically and emotionally, I had an overwhelming urge to hurt that man with every ounce I am made of…. or maybe have a little mercy and just drag him behind my truck much faster and longer of a distance since he is so much bigger then that poor innocent puppy he thought so careless of! It is said that one of the leading traits and signs of a serial killer is to torture animals! Anyone who could conduct them selves in such a manner can only be capable of more and more psychotic and dangerous acts….. next time probably on an innocent child! I wish no more for Mr. Morales then to to be treated with the same kindness, respect, and love as he showed that puppy! I hope some 400lb man in prison can be just that person to be so kind and give it back to him. Our laws need to change not only for innocent animals but also for the millions of children who are molested in our country each year! You can abuse an animal and molest a child and get less time then if you sold crack!
I sent a note to the above email address at the Escambia County Animal Shelter and learned that Mr. Rova has retired and that Candace Stordahl is the new Animal Control Manager and she may be reached at 850-595-3075 or at candace_stordahl@co.escambia.fl.us.
I too am interested in finding this little fellow a GOOD and loving home.
Thank you Lynda, I pulled the info right off their website, guess they need an update
Please Please make sure this puppy goes to a good home. Don’t let that evil man get this puppy back. Who knows what else he will do to it, if he gets him back!
Can people send money to help Bugsy
Jacqueline, I’m sure if you contact the shelter they’ll be able to give you information on donations
I heard on the news that the shelter has received over 400 calls already inquiring about Bugy’s adoption. Unfortunately, Bugsy’s adoption has to wait since he is considered evidence in this case.
Btw, one year is a b.s. punishment. It should be at least 5 in my opinion. Whether it was an accident or not, this is a horrible, awful incident that should be punished as harshly as possible.
I am so pleased to hear there are folks out there who want to adopt this little person! I would contact the Vet.
I have a little one like that myself and if I could have more than one dog in my condo I would scoop him/her in a minutes.
God Bless this little person!!!
I cried when I saw this story on CNN. I had just left a memorial service and someone had brought their little chihuahua puppy with them, rather than leave it home alone or, God forbid, tethered to a truck bumper in the summer heat! What kind of an idiot takes a tiny little pup to work, ties it to a truck bumper and then forgets all about it? That, alone, should get him an animal cruelty charge! I hope justice is swift and strong in this case – the man deserves to be in jail. I hope precious little Bugsy recovers quickly and finds a responsible forever home soon – he’s welcome here in California anytime!
i cried when I heard what that monster did to that poor little puppy. He forgot the pup was tied to the truck, BULL______! Why was she tied to the truck anyway with the terrible heat this time of year. She should have been at home being kept cool with plenty of water available to her. He should be tied to the back of his truck, left in the heat and then dragged down the street. See how he likes being treated that way. And it’s a crime that people can treat animals like that and aren’t treated the way they would be if they did that to a human. Animals depend on us to protect and defend them. He should be put in jail the rest of his life for what he did.
I would really appreciate some way to get updates and find out how the little baby is doing. I do hope the media or someone will keep all of us interested in her progress updated. Keep us apprised on how she is doing and when she finds a home where she will get the love and attention she and any other pet in the world deserves.
I found the number to the Escambia County Animal Shelter (where Bugsy is being cared for) on another site. The number is 850-434-2924. You can call for updates, or to contribute to Bugsy’s care.
Who ties their dog to a car????!!
My heart goes out to Bugsy. I hope and pray he’ll find a good home. There’s a reason he survived this ordeal, and only God knows what it is.
Morales should not receive the puppy back. Bugsy needs a chance to grow up happy. Animal abuse and child abuse are the same, once someone abuses a child or animal, they should NEVER get the child or animal back.
How many times do you end up reading the child or animal has been killed once they were given back to the abuser. Abuser do not deserve a second chance.
^ I agree with you. I think of my animals as my children. Not only does the abuse not stop, but animal abuse is a gateway to abuse of humans. Serial killers seem to always start out by torturing animals.
I was wondering how Bugsy is doing. I could not believe this story. I was very
upset to where I was in tears. I have two chihuahuas. Kiki is 8 years old, 5 lbs
and Layla is a teacup, 1 years old, 3 1/2 lbs.
They are the most precious little dogs. I love them to death. They are
like my children. I can’t believe someone would even tie their dog to a truck.
The owner should be ashamed of himself. These dogs are very tiny and delicate
as it is. People like that do not deserve to have a pet. I hope he is doing well
and he gets adopted by a good home.
Poor Bugsy!
What state did this happen in? Why did he tie his dog to a car, and if the dog was so important to him, how could he “forget” he was there?!
I believe it happened in Florida. I heard that he tied the dog to the passenger side mirror (I think) while he was at work. Then he was tired and just hopped in the car and took off. There is no reason that the dog should have been at work with him. The dog should have been at home in a nice cool place, instead of baking outside tied to a truck in the Florida heat. Chihuahua’s are indoor dogs, and should be treated that way.
I think this article is missing some crucial information. For example: In What does Señor Morales work? I know its hard for white middle class america to believe that people work very hard in very tough jobs and Tinkerbell isn’t exactly your top priority at the end of the day. Also, some people can barely afford to get health care for themselves and for alot of people vets aren’t possible! So unless free VET clinics start appearing more and more preventable deaths of house pets are gonna keep occuring all over the US. ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! No matter where you come from, or what your income is. What I ask myself is why isn’t this much time, effort and money not being directed toward CHILD ABUSE? THERE ARE CHILDREN suffering from untold horrors out there and a STUPID Chihuaha is the country’s concern today? PEOPLE GET A FREAKEN LIFE AND ADOPT A KID!
Zotchil,
What does it matter where or what kind of work Mr. Morales does? Why did he take the puppy to work with him in the first place? As for working hard, I know many, many people who work very hard everyday but that doesn’t give them an excuse for almost killing a living creature! Responsibility doesn’t end just because a person is tired. If a person can’t afford to take care of a pet, they shouldn’t have one. No excuse about not being able to afford a vet, if you can’t afford a vet, you shouldn’t have a pet!
Yes, accidents do happen, but if Mr. Morales had taken the caution of not even taking a tiny 4 month old puppy to work with him, this is one accident that would not have happened. This was, as so many accidents are, preventable!
And if you’re so concerned about the time and effort being spent on a ’stupid chihuahua’, why are you wasting your time to comment about it?
^ Well said. If you can’t afford an animal, you should not have one. End of discussion. That is why so many animals end up emaciated and abandoned. Accidents do happen. I understand that, but Mr. Morales did have options. If he took the puppy to the humane society, they would have never turned him away. I don’t understand any reason why he should have had the dog at work. A chihuahua is not an outdoorsy dog, who would enjoy being outside for a prolonged period of time. And it shouldn’t have been tied to the side of a truck. It’s a chihuahua. He could have put it in the bed of the truck tied to a rock.
And I know most people don’t think of animals as humans or children, but I do. I understand that they are not human, but they are capable of every emotion that a human is. I this had happened to a human, accident or not, there would have been much more serious consequences. If you are driving in your car and kill someone, it’s involuntary manslaughter. So why would a dog or cat not get some sort of similar treatment. I don’t think that this guy should be locked up for life. But, I do think that he does deserve a punishment serious enough to make him understand the consequences of his actions.
And by the way, I am an adopted child. My question for you, Zotchil is, have you adopted any children? Have you donated to children up to adoption? If you haven’t, then you have no right to rant about this.
I can’t believe how some people have turned this into a racial isssue,
it doesn’t make any difference what race, color, height or gender the person is. The real concerns are about the number of people who have children and/or animal that can’t afford to take care and end up abusing them. People who think of animal as just animal and not a living-breathing beings are ignorant.
I live in Kansas. & have one pet that I have circled my life around. In fact she is 14 years old & has an illness, Soon to loos her. I would travel to pick this Fur Baby up ! Or I would go to great expence to have Bugsy here. I take care of many pets in my area when one goes on vacation. To Keep in Inside…. Safe & warm or cool .. whateverthe wheather might bring. Our Fur Babies should be treated as a New Born child…. Not left outside ! Not living a life on a chain. But lving a live of being content in the arms of loved ones !!!!!
I would love to have This child in my Arms…. And my life…
I have spent over 3,000 to keep my baby happ this year. BUt t I have been advised that i can only do so much. I have been so caring but my baby is 14 with alot of problems. I have no other children. Past my Chld bearing years. I have no sibkingss either. I have si much live & have no bounderies on on what I would do for Bugsy .. IF I had Bugsy .. He would get the same respect. My Child… My Baby.
I think we have 2 differet Julies here ! LOL So I will close with this. I love pets. I have a special love for small dogs. I would love to see Bugsy in my My home & in my arms … where pets are to be. Not out side on a chain !! You ever been there ?? Outside & on a chain ???
No … my baby will be inside ! My Baby will be safe & know that they are LOVED & know that KNOW ONE WILL HARM THEM…. Man or Beast…
I would pay 1,ooo to have this child in my warmth
OMG I cannot believe someone suggests that this is an accident. I was trying to find info about Bugsy after seeing it on the news and you would be amazed at the hits I got for other dogs that were dragged behind a vehicle. These are not accidents people it is intentional harm to animals. If this person really cared he would have left the pup at home in a safe place or had some to pupsit. I live in West Viirgina and it has been in the upper 80s and 90s and that is TOO HOT for a chihuahua or any animal to be left outside in when no shelter, water, or food. If its too hot for a person then think how the animals feel- they’re the ones with the fur coat!!!!
Please don’t make excuses for people who abuse animals. He committed a crime and so did the other people who have dragged their dogs. I hope whoever gets to adopt Bugsy has the money to conyinue his vet care and enough common sense to know that you don’t tie a dog to your bumper at any time and keeps him safe at home.
The Escambia Animal Shelter should do a home visit to the final hopefuls and talk to neighbors and family members to assure Bugsy’s safety. The criminal who caused him this pain should absolutely not get him back and they should be restricted and monitored from owning any other pets.
God bless this poor little dog and give people the heart to donate to help pay for the vet bills because obviously he will need alot more care and meds to get through this horrifying ordeal.
I have two 4-pound adult chihuahuas. And never, for a split second, could I forget about them.
I love them with my entire heart and soul, and I would never tie them to my car for any reason!!!!!!!!! They are too small and delicate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I turn my a/c in my car on a few minutes before i drive with them to be sure they will not get sick. I then carry them to the car as my street is slightly busy. I have pet seats that I strap them into. They are my babies. They are my kin. Bugsy should have been treated like that.
Anyone who has such a small, helpless breed would never “forget” their dog was tied to their car. I don’t buy that for a second. I have heard a chi scream and it is loud and horrifying!!!! and that sound was during obligatory shots!!!
I would jump off a bridge if I accidentally did something horrific like that to my tiny babies! When you get a tiny breed you must be super responsible for them. They are not Shepard’s or Rottweilers, they are tiny dogs that can easily be hurt.
The fact that this 4 month old Chi lived is amazing. And I am giving money towards his recovery as long as his original owner never sees him again.
OMG That is such a mean thing to do!!Who does that anyways? Tie your FOUR MONTH OLD puppy to the back of a truck is sick and cruel.I hope that ba_____d gets what he deserves!! D< Bugsy…brave freaking puppy … =[