Ford Heights, IL — A suburban man is facing a felony aggravated animal cruelty charge after authorities say he dragged a small Yorkshire terrier behind his pickup truck in south suburban Ford Heights earlier this month.
Incident Caught by Deputies
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped a silver pickup truck driven by 34-year-old Vianey Madrid-Segura around 8 p.m. on Aug. 1 in the 1300 block of Seeley Avenue after spotting a 5-year-old female Yorkie being dragged by a leash tied to the truck’s hitch.
Fox 32 Chicago reports that when the truck came to a stop, the dog was bleeding heavily from her paws and abdomen.
“Officers rendered immediate aid before transporting the dog to an animal hospital,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The Yorkie required emergency treatment for severe injuries but was released to a relative of Madrid-Segura the following day, Aug. 2.
Initial Citation and Later Arrest
At the scene, Madrid-Segura was cited for driving without a license. Authorities said he later contacted the Sheriff’s Police Animal Crimes Unit to assist with the investigation.
Further investigation revealed that Madrid-Segura had tied the dog to the truck hitch to let it relieve itself, then drove away without realizing she was still tethered.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the Yorkie sustained serious trauma to her paws and abdomen, requiring ongoing medical care.
Felony Charge and Court Appearance
On Aug. 6, Madrid-Segura was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony. He was released pending a court appearance on Aug. 11, when a petition for pretrial detention was denied.
Key facts from the case:
- Date of incident: Aug. 1, 2024
- Location: 1300 block of Seeley Avenue, Ford Heights
- Victim: 5-year-old female Yorkie, severely injured
- Charge: Aggravated cruelty to animals (Class 4 felony)
- Status: Released pending trial
“This level of neglect and disregard for an animal’s well-being is both disturbing and unacceptable,” an animal crimes investigator told Fox 32 Chicago.
Authorities have not said whether Madrid-Segura will face additional charges related to the Yorkie’s ongoing medical expenses.
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