Reward offered for suspect accused of dragging dogs behind a car in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – An animal rights organization in metro Atlanta hopes a reward can help identify a man who Police say he was caught on camera tying two dogs to the back of his car and dragging them down a road in DeKalb County.

The Henry County Humane Society tells FOX 5 they are offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man responsible for the abuse.

DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Claire Simms Chaffins says the alleged animal cruelty occurred on September 13 at the Redan Recreation Center on Phillips Road.

According to investigators, surveillance cameras caught the man dragging the dogs behind the car, releasing them from his bumper and leaving them in the parking lot to die.

“He briefly got out of the car. Untied the dogs and carefully backed out of the parking lot. Our investigators believe this is to hide his license plate from the cameras.” Chaffins said.

A witness made the shocking discovery of the dogs and called the police. Officials described the two animals as a medium-sized black mixed breed and a medium-sized mixed brindle breed about 9 months old. The black dog did not survive his injuries.

Authorities described the car involved as a dark-colored four-door sedan, possibly a 2008 to 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The driver was wearing a dark gray top with a white logo on the chest and white lettering on the back, dark pants and a white baseball cap.

“Luckily those surveillance cameras were there even though the people weren’t there,” Chaffins said.

While the hunt for the driver continues, there is good news. The surviving dog has already found a loving family to call his own.

Officials say the suspect will face two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, which could carry up to 10 years in prison and $30,000 in fines.

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, call the DeKalb County Animal Enforcement tip line at (404) 294-2939.