CANTON, Ohio -- Witnesses thought a bicyclist was dragging a garbage bag down a busy street in Canton, and were stunned when they realized it was a small dog tethered by his lease to the bike.
Traci Holderbaum with the Stark County Humane Society says, "it's almost unbelievable, it's super sad that somebody would do this to an animal, he can't call out for help, he can even help himself."
The incident happened on Tuscarawas Street near the I-77 overpass on Tuesday morning. The abuse ended when the witnesses confronted the man who was dragging the dog. Authorities tell Fox 8 News, the man unhooked the animal and fled. The terrier mix, given the name "Harry" by Humane Society volunteers, suffered abrasions on his paws and legs.
Holderbaum says,"there are so many people who would not have stopped, but they did, they took it upon themselves to make something so awful, it's a happier story, he's doing better."
The individual riding the bike was arrested Wednesday afternoon. Fox 8 News is not releasing his name until charges have been filed. The Humane Society is convinced the dog would have been killed if the witnesses had not intervened.
The staff at the Humane Society deals with sad stories every day, but they say like so many of the animals they treat, Harry is not letting the abuse he suffered on Tuesday affect how he acts on Wednesday.
"They're like little people in fur suits," said Holderbaum, "so he's got such a great personality, he's so friendly for all he's been through, he is still so loving."
Anyone interested in adopting "Harry" is asked to call the Stark County Humane Society.
Traci Holderbaum with the Stark County Humane Society says, "it's almost unbelievable, it's super sad that somebody would do this to an animal, he can't call out for help, he can even help himself."
The incident happened on Tuscarawas Street near the I-77 overpass on Tuesday morning. The abuse ended when the witnesses confronted the man who was dragging the dog. Authorities tell Fox 8 News, the man unhooked the animal and fled. The terrier mix, given the name "Harry" by Humane Society volunteers, suffered abrasions on his paws and legs.
Holderbaum says,"there are so many people who would not have stopped, but they did, they took it upon themselves to make something so awful, it's a happier story, he's doing better."
The individual riding the bike was arrested Wednesday afternoon. Fox 8 News is not releasing his name until charges have been filed. The Humane Society is convinced the dog would have been killed if the witnesses had not intervened.
The staff at the Humane Society deals with sad stories every day, but they say like so many of the animals they treat, Harry is not letting the abuse he suffered on Tuesday affect how he acts on Wednesday.
"They're like little people in fur suits," said Holderbaum, "so he's got such a great personality, he's so friendly for all he's been through, he is still so loving."
Anyone interested in adopting "Harry" is asked to call the Stark County Humane Society.
