Target: Dave Aronberg, State Attorney for Palm Beach County, Florida
Goal: Secure the maximum available penalties and a lifetime animal-ownership ban for the individual reportedly caught dragging three chihuahuas behind his truck.
Authorities arrested a Lake Worth man after witnesses said three terrified chihuahuas were tied to the rear of his pickup and dragged for what may have been hundreds of miles. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the dogs suffered severe injuries consistent with prolonged pavement burns before one finally broke free, leading to the suspect’s apprehension. The surviving animals were allegedly left bloodied and traumatized.
This case surfaced just weeks before “Dexter’s Law”—Florida’s new statute that heightens punishment for aggravated animal cruelty—goes into effect. Because the alleged crime occurred beforehand, the harsher sentencing guidelines will not automatically apply. Without vigorous prosecution under existing laws, the person accused of this brutal act could escape with only minimal jail time or probation.
Animal-cruelty experts warn that dragging pets behind vehicles is among the most agonizing forms of abuse imaginable, causing skin to shear away, paws to disintegrate, and internal organs to fail from shock. A forceful legal response is essential to deter similar atrocities and honor the intent of the newly signed legislation. The prosecution should pursue every felony count available, advocate for consecutive sentencing, and seek a permanent prohibition on animal guardianship.
PETITION LETTER:
Mr. Aronberg,
Deputies in your county reportedly found three chihuahuas tied to the bumper of a truck and dragged for “hundreds of miles,” leaving two dogs critically injured and one dead. This alleged cruelty occurred just before Dexter’s Law, which stiffens penalties for aggravated animal abuse, becomes active. Although the statute cannot be applied retroactively, current Florida law still allows for substantial felony punishment and restitution.
Dragging a living creature across asphalt inflicts extreme pain—skin and paw pads are stripped away, bone and muscle are exposed, and victims often die of shock or infection. The public looks to your office to demonstrate that Palm Beach County will not tolerate such vicious disregard for life.
We respectfully urge you to charge the suspect with every applicable felony, push for the longest sentence permitted, mandate psychological evaluation, and obtain a lifetime ban on owning animals. A strong stance will signal that, even before Dexter’s Law, animal torture will be met with the severest consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Kally Dru
