CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Montgomery County Animal Control (MCAC) is investigating after a dog was recently hit by a dump truck, then run over two more times.
According to MCAC Director Jeanette Farrell, she and another Animal Control officer responded to a call regarding a dog that was hit by a vehicle on Commerce Street.
When they arrived, they found a deceased female lab/pitt mix named Nina between the front and rear wheels of a dump truck. A police officer at the scene said the dog had died just minutes before Animal Control arrived. The dump truck’s engine was still running.
Farrell said the dog was initially hit after breaking her chain and chasing another dog into the street. The dog she was chasing cleared the truck, but Nina did not.
The driver told Farrell the dog had only been hit once, but after reviewing video footage filmed by a neighbor, Animal Control discovered Nina had been hit multiple times by the dump truck.
According to Farrell, Nina was dragged 25 to 30 feet after the first time she was hit. The driver then allegedly hit his brakes and the vehicle stalled. He then started the truck, ran over the dog with his front tires, and ran over it again with his rear tires.
(Note: The video footage will not be released by ClarksvilleNow.com due to its graphic nature.)
Farrell said the driver told her that he only saw a streak go by and never actually saw what he hit. He also allegedly never got out of the vehicle to check.
Based on the evidence provided, Animal Control will likely pursue criminal charges.
“If you hit anything, please stop,” Farrell said. “Call 911. Seek advice. By law, you have to stop. What if that had been a child?”
If you suspect animal cruelty, contact Animal Control at 931-648-5750.