Despite nationwide efforts to educate the public on animal abuse and cruelty, the problem is continual. There are always those folks who think an animal is an object that has no feelings or real importance in life. Luckily, many good Samaritans often stand in to be a voice for the victims and such was the case in Mission, Texas when a dog was notably being dragged by a vehicle Wednesday night on the 3000 block of Sierra Court.
Report by Officer Tittle regarding animal abuse incident
Lt. Jody Tittle with the Mission Police Department states that 59-year-old Mario Cardona was arrested Thursday morning after a video surfaced showing the man dragging a dog behind a motorized scooter.
The dog is a female German shepherd by the name of G2. The dog was visibly in pain and discomfort as it was lying on its side, being tugged by its collar. Neighbor and witness Melissa Torrez saw the incident and reported it as an act of Animal cruelty. Ms. Torrez told the police officer on the scene that when she turned around, she saw Cardona dragging his dog along the middle of the street for several blocks. Ms. Torrez proceeded to yell at him from her car, asking him what he was doing and what is wrong with him. She further states that the guy told her to mind her own business because it is his dog and he can do whatever he feels like with his own dog. He ignored the woman and continued to drag the dog along the road.
Further investigation and charges of animal cruelty
The investigation is ongoing with the Mission Texas police department. After the incident, the police reported numerous calls from concerned neighbors and residents, prompting a quick response. Cardona was subsequently arrested and charged with animal cruelty. A bond of $10,000 was set by the judge.
According to Lt. Tittle, Penal Code 42.092 states that "under the section (b) (5) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly: transports an animal in a cruel manner. A cruel way includes a manner that causes or permits unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering." G2 the abused German shepherd is with animal control and doing well.
