Man who was seen abusing dog charged with animal cruelty, DUI, resisting arrest

IDAHO -- A Sioux Falls man faces a number of charges after an officer observed him abusing a small dog.

Police were called Monday to the 800 block of North Redbird Place at 11:50 p.m. for reports of a dog barking.

The officer found Howard Wright, 47, of Sioux Falls with a small Jack Russell terrier at the intersection of Third Street and Valley View Road.

The officer watched Wright kick the dog a couple times before he picked the dog up and got into his SUV, Cpt. Greg Vandekamp said,

As the officer began to approach the vehicle to make contact with the man, Wright then slammed the dog into passenger door of the vehicle, Vandekamp said.

Wright and the officer got into a brief struggle while the arrest was being made, Vandekamp said. He said police determined Wright was intoxicated.

Wright is being charged with inhumane treatment of an animal, DUI second, resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license, open container and obstructing an officer.

The dog was taken into protective custody.

(Argus Leader - Oct 8, 2013)