Alabama: Paul Patty Sr., 56, says he 'forgot' his dog was tied to the bumper and dragged his Labrador down the road. Cops didn't buy it and charged him with animal cruelty

ALABAMA -- Police arrested a Millbrook resident Thursday in connection with animal cruelty, according to the Millbrook Police Department.

Millbrook PD says, on April 2, officers responded to the 4300 block of River Oaks Road on a call of possible animal cruelty.

Once on scene, officers discovered a dog, described as a Labrador retriever mix, with bleeding feet due to its pads being worn off. The dog also had abrasions on its belly and chest area. 

Officers suspected the dog had been dragged forcibly on the road.

Officers saw what looked like a blood trail, and they followed it to the 3800 block of River Oaks Road, between a quarter and a half a mile away from where the dog was found.

Residents in the area reported seeing a red Chevrolet El Comino traveling east from the location and that it appeared to be dragging something behind it.

Officers located the driver and identified him as Paul Wayne Patty Sr., 56. After a preliminary investigation by a detective with Millbrook PD's Criminal Investigations Unit, Patty was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals in the second degree. Patty was processed and released on a $1000 bond.

The dog was taken from the scene to Cobbs Ford Pet Health Center for emergency medical treatment, then it was transferred to the Elmore County Humane Society. The humane society made arrangements for the dog to receive additional medical treatment.

The dog is recovering, said Rea Cord, executive director of the Elmore County Humane Shelter.

“He’s getting good care,” Cord said, estimating that the dog is 15-months old. “You’re looking at two to three weeks of treatment at least, and then follow up treatment. His bandages have to be changed regularly. He’s in a lot of pain and is getting pain medication. But hopefully he can recover.”

The woman that found the dog after it was injured told Cord she plans on adopting him after he recovers.

Millbrook Police Department's Chief P.K. Johnson released the following statement:

"While we are pleased to announce this arrest, I, like many of our citizens, am appalled that something like this can happen to an animal and the charges aren’t any more serious than what they are. It boils down to intent. Our investigation must show that the alleged offender intentionally caused the injuries to the canine.

"According to our investigators and Animal Control, the offender is stating that the canine had been tied to the bumper of an automobile, so as to prevent him from entering the neighbor’s yard. The offender stated to investigators that he was not aware that the canine was attached to the vehicle at the time he drove it down the road.

"After careful review of witness statements, the facts of the case, and consulting with the Elmore County District Attorney’s Office our detectives and Animal Control Officer felt like this was the best way to proceed.

"The offender will stand trial in the Millbrook Municipal Court on the charge of Animal Cruelty 2nd Degree, which is a Class A misdemeanor. We will also be seeking restitution for the medical treatment the canine has received.

"I want to thank Cobbs Ford Pet Health Center and the Elmore County Humane Society for their assistance in this case."

(WFSA - April 14, 2017)