BENTONVILLE — A Siloam Springs man is accused of dragging his dog behind a pickup.
Ciro Silva, 51, was arrested Wednesday in connection with aggravated animal cruelty, a Class C felony; and a misdemeanor charge of driving on a suspended license for a DWI.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies believe Silva wrapped the end of a chain around the hitch of the pickup, leaving the dog to run behind.
Once the dog wasn’t able to stand or keep up with the vehicle and was being pulled by the neck on its side Silva stopped the vehicle and put the dog in the pickup bed, according to the affidavit.
According to a report from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, an anonymous caller reported at 8:38 a.m. Wednesday she was outside and saw Silva driving his red pickup with the dog being dragged behind it. The caller also reported a blood trail on the road.
Deputies went to the scene and reported seeing blood on the driveway and grass around Silva’s house.
Cpl. Diane Spain found the dog under the pickup. Blood squirted from the animal’s left leg and the dog was covered in blood on its underside. Spain saw blood on top of the pickup’s tailgate and pools of blood in the grooves of its bed liner, according to the affidavit.
Deputy Cody Elkinton took the dog to the Siloam Springs Veterinary Clinic for emergency care, according to court documents.
Spain called Silva at work and told him his dog was being taken to the vet for care. She asked Silva to return to his home, according to the affidavit.
Silva told Spain the dog got out of the pickup when he went to the store and the chain got stuck in the pickup door, according to court documents.
Spain asked Silva if he understood English. Silva responded, “Not so much,” according to the affidavit.
Spain told Silva the dog, named “Lazy,” had been taken to a veterinarian and the animal might not survive because of its severe injuries. Spain asked Silva if he was aware of the blood and the dog’s injuries. Silva said he was going to take care of the dog when he returned from work, according to court documents.
Geovanni Serrano, a detective with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, said Friday morning Lazy was still in the care of the veterinarian.
Silva was being held in the Benton County Jail with a $7,500 bond on Friday. An arraignment is set for 8 a.m. Feb. 25 in Circuit Judge Brad Karren’s court.
Prosecutors haven’t filed formal charges. Silva faces up to six years in prison if convicted of the charge.