Police: Arkansas man accused of dragging 2 dogs behind vehicle was “just walking them’

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — An Arkansas man accused of dragging two dogs behind an SUV told police he was “just walking them,” authorities said.

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Leonardo Barboza, 49, of Springdale, faces animal cruelty charges, according to Washington County online booking records.

Springdale Police Department Officer Ricardo Rojo was filling out a police report for another incident when he observed a “large SUV” drive past him Thursday at about 7:10 p.m. CDT, the television station reported. Rojo noticed the dogs being dragged by a rope, KNWA reported. One of the animals was a Husky, which was seen fighting against the SUV, Rojo wrote in his police report.

The second dog appeared to have broken free from the rope and was trotting behind the vehicle, KFSM reported.

When Rojo stopped Barboza and asked what he was doing with the animals, the man allegedly told the officer he was “just walking them,” the television station reported.

According to the police report, Rojo said the Husky was limping and all four of its paws were severely injured, KNWA reported. The second dog’s paws had evidence of previous injuries, the television station reported.

Barboza was arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail, according to KNWA. He was released Friday after posting $1,500 bail and will appear in court on Oct. 19, the television station reported.

Both dogs were taken by animal control officers. Their condition is unknown, according to KNWA.

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