Video footage of a man passing through the streets of eastern San Diego County and dragging a helpless dog into the back of a sports utility vehicle, created enough enthusiasm for the accused to hand over himself, authorities recently announced.
Joseph Holland, a 58-year-old transient, was identified on July 3 within 24 hours of the graphic video being released by San Diego County officials and published on social media and local television news.
The Netherlands was booked on animal cruelty charges, according to Vaughn Maurice, director of San Diego County Animal Services. He said the case had been forwarded to the county district attorney’s office.
“This is an incredibly sad and disturbing case,” Maurice said in a statement. “We are grateful that we have identified the person in charge, but our hearts are broken because of this dog and what it endured.”
Tanya Sierra, assistant director of communications for San Diego County District Attorneys, said the case is still under investigation. She added that during that time, the DA’s office “does not speculate whether or not the charges will be filed or what they are.”
The Dutch representative could not comment.
Footage from a subsequent vehicle shows a red and brown Doverman Pinscher euthanized after being dragged behind an older model Black Jeep Cherokee SUV around 5:45pm on Wednesday
The dog rolled, turned and fell over as the vehicle traveled about 30 mph along Edgewood Drive in Spring Valley, according to San Diego County Animal Services.
Witnesses told investigators that the animal was dragged into another street for several minutes as bystanders tried to stop the vehicle.
The footage clearly showed the license plates of the SUV, but investigators had trouble identifying the driver as the vehicle may be owned by another person.
Investigators received an unexpected break on Thursday when the dog owner contacted animal services to confirm that he was a driver, authorities said.
Maurice said he was “very surprised” on the phone given the “really scary” nature of the video.
The animal control officer arrived at his Dutch home to verify his identity. The Netherlands informed them that they had just euthanized the animals at the veterinary clinic.
“He said it was a horrible accident,” Maurice said.
Officers rushed to the veterinarian’s office to preserve the remains for evidence before the dog was cremated.
Maurice told authorities that the Netherlands had told authorities he had his car stationed in a nearby park, used the toilet and tied the dog to the back of the vehicle.
He then returns to the SUV and says he forgot that he was still restrained when the dog drove.
“We would like to thank everyone in the media and the community for sharing this story and providing information,” Maurice said. “Your efforts have helped us identify the individuals we are involved in and help us move towards justice for this innocent animal.”
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