Davis County, UT — Authorities in Davis County, Utah, have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of committing a disturbing act of animal cruelty after he allegedly threw six puppies out of his moving car on U.S. Highway 89, resulting in the deaths of two of them.
Shocking Act on U.S. Highway 89
According to the Davis County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on October 22, when Memphis Lor, 25, was driving between Fruit Heights and Layton on U.S. Highway 89. Investigators say Lor, while traveling at approximately 65 miles per hour, intentionally threw six 3-week-old puppies out of his vehicle’s window.
Tragically, two puppies died instantly, while another sustained serious injuries. Two puppies survived unharmed, and one remains missing despite efforts by authorities and community volunteers to locate it.
Mother Dog Found Malnourished
Adding to the cruelty, investigators report that Lor abandoned the mother dog on the side of the road. She was later discovered in a severely malnourished condition but was rescued with the help of concerned witnesses who spotted the scattered puppies and alerted authorities.
The Davis County Sheriff’s Office stated that the mother dog and the surviving puppies are now receiving medical care and are “doing well.”
Witnesses Help Lead Investigators to Suspect
Several witnesses driving on the highway said they saw tiny puppies scattered across the road and suspected they had been thrown from a vehicle. Their quick action helped law enforcement track down the mother dog and, later, identify the suspect.
Officers coordinated with local animal control to locate the person responsible. A neighbor of Lor identified the dog as his, linking him directly to the crime, as per Fox8.
Suspect Admits to Throwing Puppies
When Lor was detained and interviewed, officials say he admitted to tossing the puppies out of the car window while driving at highway speeds. He reportedly told investigators that he thought “it would be easier to get rid of them” and that it would be “an easier death.”
Lor also confessed to keeping one puppy with him but denied that the mother dog was in poor health. He further revealed that the mother had recently given birth to more puppies, but three had already died due to the cold weather.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Memphis Lor was arrested on seven counts of torturing a companion animal, classified as a third-degree felony under Utah law. He was booked into the Davis County Jail but later released on conditions that he must appear in court and refrain from committing additional crimes while awaiting trial.
At this time, formal charges have not yet been filed, but officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities Seek Public’s Help
The Davis County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have found a missing puppy along U.S. Highway 89 near Oakhills around October 22 to come forward.
What do you think about this heartbreaking case? Share your thoughts in the comments — should animal cruelty laws carry tougher penalties to prevent such incidents in the future?
