Car owner who ran 5km with dog hanging... Police say "No charges due to lack of evidence"

Police: "Difficult to Prove Intentional Abuse"

Photo by Animal Rights Organization CARE SNS capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A man in his 50s who caused the death of a dog by tying its leash to a vehicle while driving was cleared of charges.

On the 4th, the Okcheon Police Station in Chungbuk announced that they decided it was difficult to hold Mr. A, a man in his 50s who caused the death of a dog by tying it to the front bumper of his vehicle and dragging it, responsible for animal abuse, and thus dismissed the case and forwarded the records to the prosecution.

Earlier, Mr. A was investigated by the police on suspicion of causing the death of a dog by driving about 5 km on a road in Okcheon on January 5th while the dog was tied to his pickup truck.

Mr. A, who operates a dog breeding farm, stated, "I received a message from an acquaintance that a dog was tied to the car, but I was busy and forgot and drove."

The police explained, "Under current law, animals are classified as property, and in cases of negligence rather than intent, it is difficult to impose criminal punishment under property damage laws."

They added, "Although we conducted an autopsy, lie detector test, and simulation investigation, there was insufficient evidence to prove intentional animal abuse."

Meanwhile, following the adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police, from this year, the police have the authority to conclude first investigations without forwarding cases to the prosecution if they determine that there is no evidence of criminal suspicion.

However, the prosecution can request reinvestigation if it deems that a case closed by the police is illegal or unjust.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.