Deputies arrest man after puppy falls out of moving pickup truck

HORIZON, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 64-year-old Victor Martinez, who was arrested and charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals after a puppy fell out of the bed of a moving truck.

According to the Sheriff's Office, on Oct. 3 deputies saw a German Shepard puppy that was unsecured in the bed of a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound in the 400 block of S. Darrington Road. While the vehicle was in motion, officials say the puppy fell from the truck bed, striking the pavement and concrete sidewalk.

Officials say that deputies stopped to help the injured puppy, which had visible injuries and showed signs of pain following the impact. Deputies initiated an animal cruelty investigation due to their observations.

As a result of the investigation, Martinez was arrested and charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals. Martinez was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility with a bond set at $6,000.

“Animals depend on us for their safety and protection, and that responsibility should never be taken lightly,” said Sheriff Oscar Ugarte. “They cannot speak for themselves or protect themselves from dangerous situations. When our deputies see an animal being put at risk, we will take action and hold those responsible accountable.”

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reminds pet owners to take appropriate precautions when transporting animals. Pets should be properly secured and transported in a manner that protects them from injury or unnecessary suffering.

Below is dash-camera footage of the puppy falling out of the pickup truck, provided by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office: