Documents: Man says dog that fell off truck ‘needed to learn,’ charged with animal cruelty

HORIZON CITY, Texas (KVIA) -- A 64-year-old man faces an animal cruelty charge after deputies said they saw a dog fall out his truck bed. Victor Martinez allegedly told deputies the six-month-old dog "needed to learn."

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office said that on Oct. 3, deputies saw a German shepherd dog fall out the bed of a Chevrolet Silverado on the 400 block of S. Darrington Road.

An arrest affidavit said the dog hit the pavement and sidewalk face-first. After the fall, the dog went motionless. Investigators said Martinez' grandson immediately got out the truck and ran toward the dog.

Martinez' grandson told deputies he "already told [Martinez] about transporting the K9 in that manner."

Deputies helped the dog, which had injuries and showed signs of pain from the fall. Documents said the dog had fresh scrapes, blood and feces on its tail. It also had trouble standing and sitting down and cried.

Martinez allegedly said he drove the truck with the dog unsecured in the back because the dog "needed to learn." Deputies arrested him.

Martinez' grandson told deputies it wasn't the first time the dog fell from the truck, documents said. He told Martinez to stop and secure the truck, but Martinez didn't listen, documents said.

EPCSO said it initiated an animal cruelty investigation.

The investigation led to Martinez' arrest and a charge for cruelty to non-livestock animals. Deputies booked him into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility with a $6,000 bond.

“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.”

Documents said the dog could have hip injuries or displacement and required X-rays and medication. An officer said he could tell the dog was in pain.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said pets should be secured and transported in a protective way.