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Officials Hunt For Driver Who Dragged German Shepherd Puppy By Rope

RIVERSIDE (CBS) — Officials in Riverside are looking for a pickup driver who allegedly dragged a German Shepherd puppy behind their vehicle while tied to a rope.

Authorities said the white German Shepherd -- estimated to be about 10 months old -- survived and is recovering at the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, according to Krista Stewart, animal control officer for the Riverside County Department of Animal Control Services.

The driver will likely face animal cruelty charges.

"The paws were pretty bloody and there were a lot of sores," said Stewart.

Just after 7 p.m. Wednesday, a witness saw the driver of a red pickup dragging the dog behind their truck near the intersection of Claycroft and Peacock lanes.

The witness could not determine how long the dog was dragged but observed the driver exit the vehicle, untie the dog and drive off.

The dog was taken to an emergency clinic where all her wounds were treated and bandaged.

Stewart says the dog wasn't at all aggressive "even though her feet were probably killing her."

At the time of her rescue, the German Shepherd was "lying down and trying to clean her injuries," said Stewart.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call the shelter at (951)358-7387 and refer to activity No. 11-036374.

If the owner of the dog cannot be found, the puppy will be put up for adoption. Those interested in adoption can call the same phone number and refer to ID No. 913310.

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