LIBERTY, Texas - Authorities in East Texas say a man became angry with his Shetland pony for wandering off his property and dragged the animal behind his pickup as he returned it to its pen.
The Liberty County Sheriff's Office says a witness saw 68-year-old Francisco Castillo Cruz exit his pickup May 8 and strike the pony with a belt when it fell while being pulled. He then dragged the 5-year-old animal when it could not get up, scraping hair and skin from its left side. The witness called authorities and deputies arrested Cruz.
He relinquished ownership at a court hearing Tuesday and the Shetland is being treated for its injuries. Cruz is awaiting trial on a felony charge of cruelty to an animal.
A phone listing for Cruz was no longer in service Wednesday.
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