A man in his 50s has been charged by the police for causing the death of his dog while dragging it on an electric bicycle.
The Cheonan Dongnam Police Station reported on the 24th that it is investigating a man in his 50s, referred to as A, on suspicion of violating the Animal Protection Act.
A is accused of attaching a large Border Collie dog to his electric bicycle and running with it, leading to its death, around 7:52 p.m. on the 22nd in the Cheonan stream walking path in Sinbudong, Dongnam District.
Citizens reported that they stopped A after seeing the dog, which was bleeding and gasping for air, being dragged by the electric bicycle, and subsequently notified the police.
The dog, which was alive at the time of the rescue, died while being transported to an animal hospital. The veterinarian estimated the cause of death as asphyxiation.
Witnesses reportedly testified to the police investigation that "the dog was so exhausted it could hardly stand, yet the owner continued to drag it on the electric bicycle."
However, A is reported to have stated in the police investigation that "the dog was heavier, so I was taking it for a walk to exercise."
The police have stated that based on witness testimonies, they are treating it as animal abuse and are investigating A regarding the details and any additional abuse.