ROUND ROCK, Texas -- A dog is recovering after being dragged under his Round Rock owner's truck for nearly a mile over the weekend.
- Dog dragged this past weekend in Round Rock
- Owner facing animal cruelty charge
- Champ receiving around-the-clock care
The owner, Zager Zelaya-Rubio, is facing a felony cruelty to non-livestock animal charge.
Police say Zelaya-Rubio tied the dog to the bed of his truck, which resulted in him falling out and being dragged. According to an affidavit, witnesses reported to police that the dog got caught under the wheel, which caused the truck to "jolt." The witnesses said Zelaya-Rubio looked at them then in the rear view mirror, but continued to drive. Police believe he "knowingly and recklessly tortured and caused serious bodily injury to his dog."
Round Rock police responded and helped the dog, who has been named Champ.
"The care that he received was no different than if a human was in that same situation. They sprung to action and, luckily, they did everything that they were trained to do," said Officer John Schulz.
Champ has severe injuries on his thigh, his knees and he no longer has claws on any of his paws. Since Saturday, more than $9,000 has been raised for Champ and other dogs in the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.
"The public has been amazing in rallying around Champ and other dogs who need help. He is one of the 40 animals right now at the shelter, who we are housing because of cruelty cases," said Misty Valenta with the shelter.
Schultz says the quick response helped keep Champ alive.
"This is one of the first times in my law enforcement career that I've seen a good outcome," Schultz said.
If you would like to donate, visit http://pets.wilco.org/Donate-Shop.
Champ is receiving around-the-clock care at a private animal hospital.