Hamilton police investigate videos showing man whip and drag dog down sidewalk
A resident who caught the incident on video said the man dragged the dog like a 'heavy bag of garbage'
On a sweltering, sunny Friday afternoon in Hamilton, Chris and Lynn Kennedy were standing on their front stoop, horrified by what they were seeing.
They watched as a man dragged his dog down the sidewalk before whipping the dog with a leash and dragging it some more. He dragged the dog close to 100 metres.
"I was absolutely transfixed and I literally gasped, 'Oh no! What's he doing?" Lynn told CBC Hamilton.
The video, recorded on June 30, shows the man eventually stopped behind a bush and swore and yelled at the dog.
The Kennedys recorded short videos of the incident, which have been viewed well over 50,000 times on social media and are now part of a police investigation.
Dog dragged like a 'heavy bag of garbage'
Hamilton Police Service (HPS) Const. Indy Bharaj, a public information officer, said in an e-mail officers responded to reports of the man dragging the dog on June 30.
The incident took place on Dundas Street in Dundas, Ont, near West Street and the Cotton Mill Estates Apartments, according to the Kennedys.
Chris and Lynn said it was a hot day and the man appeared to have no water with him. They saw him yanking the dog's leash, pulling the dog along until it laid on its belly, paws splayed out.
At that point the man was behind a car, Chris said. But the man didn't pick up the dog — he picked up the leash and whipped the dog.
WARNING: Some viewers may find this video disturbing.
Chris said he yelled at the man before calling out Lynn so there were witnesses.
The couple said the man continued to drag the dog like a "heavy bag of garbage."
The video shows the dogs tail continuing to wag while being dragged on the sidewalk.
Lynn said neighbours were distraught and yelling at the man. Lynn said the man yelled back.
"We all have bad days and we all get frustrated from time to time but I don't think most animal owners snap like that," she said.
The man and the dog were gone by the time police arrived, Bharaj said, but officers spoke with witnesses and collected video footage of the incident.
Bharaj said the police service is working with Animal Welfare Services, part of Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General, and the investigation is ongoing.
CBC Hamilton contacted the province for comment but didn't hear back before the time of publication.
Monica Ciriello, Hamilton's director of licensing and bylaw services, said anyone who sees abused, distressed or neglected animals should call provincial animal welfare services at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
CBC Hamilton also contacted the man others identified as the one video through social media and a phone call but was unable to reach him.
'What are we waiting for? The dog to die?'
Ashley DaSilva, founder of Fur Warriors, a volunteer-based animal rescue group in Hamilton, said her heart dropped when she watched the videos.
She said she posted them to social media, hoping to get attention and identify the man in the video.
DaSilva said she's worried the dog may have serious injuries from being whipped and dragged in the heat.
She also said she's disappointed to hear the man doesn't appear to be facing any charges or penalties so far.
DaSilva said police services and the province should take swift action and find the dog a new home.
"What are we waiting for? The dog to die?" she asked.
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