Palm Beach County, Florida – On October 9, a witness observed a horrifying situation; a red truck traveling eastbound on Lantana Road was dragging a white bulldog mix who was tethered to the pickup. The helpless dog was spinning on the asphalt, leaving chunks of her flesh on the road.
The good Samaritan was able to catch the attention of the driver, who has been identified as 45-year-old Lisandro Arellano. When the man stopped his truck the witness confronted him, hopeful that the horrifying situation was some type of tragic mistake.
But Arellano’s actions after stopping are nothing short of heartwrenching, and utterly appalling; the man was not shocked, distraught, or apologetic. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, he “picked the dog up off the ground and threw her in the bed of his truck then drove off.”
Thanks to the quick-thinking witness, who got a photo of the truck’s license plate, the police were able to track Arellano down and arrest him for aggravated animal cruelty to animals. The dog, named Blanco, was turned over to animal control for care, and Arellano was taken to jail, currently facing two animal cruelty charges. Jail records show that he was released on a $3,000 bond on Monday.
*Blanco does not belong to Arellano. According to the authorities, she belongs to a family member that entrusted him with watching her. She suffered severe lacerations but IS expected to recover.
If you are as appalled by Lisandro Arellano’s actions as we are, please add your name to the petition!
We the undersigned demand that Lisandro Arellano be held accountable for dragging this innocent dog behind a moving truck. We are petitioning for Arellano to face the maximum sentence for Aggravated Animal Cruelty and Cruelty towards animals, in addition to a lifelong ban from animal ownership. It is our firm belief that animal abusers must be held accountable for their actions.
Note: Individuals are presumed innocent until they have been found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.
News:
Final Update 12/06/2023: Lisandro Arellano was sentenced to five years of probation. The defendant may apply for early termination of probation in 2.5 years. The defendant may not keep any other pets except for a pug named Bodega and chickens. Random checks by Animal Control to ensure no other animals on the property besides a pug named Bodega and chickens. Arellano must successfully complete “BARC” course within the first year of probation. Defendant owes $418 in court costs, and $200 in prosecution costs. The defendant may perform community service at a rate of $10 per hour towards court costs. All court costs must be paid by 6/24/2023. We thank everyone who helped Animal Victory fight for justice and ensure that this case was not dismissed!
Update 10/25/2023: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the attorney and judge.
Update 10/25/2023: The defendant is set for a plea conference on 10-30-2023 at 8:30 a.m.
Update 9/1/2023: A Plea Conference has been scheduled for 09/11/2023 at 8:30 a.m. with Judge Sarah Willis.
Update 5/8/2023: There is a Status Check Zoom meeting on May 18th at 8:30 am.
Update 4/3/2023: Animal Victory has learned that there is a status check scheduled on April 24th at 8:30 a.m.
Update 2/8/2023: Animal Victory has sent the petition and 21,202 signatures to the State Attorney and to Judge Sarah Willis.
Update 12/23/2022: A status check has been scheduled for 03/13/2023 at 8.30 am via zoom. A Status court date (also known as a Progress Call) is when the case is called in open court and the attorneys are required to advise the court as to the progress of the case thus far. ARELLANO
Prior Signatures 21,541